8th Generation

A stadium packed with excited people. The Poké Ball in the center of the field indicates only one thing, the battle has begun. The enormous charizard rises above the field with his flaming wings... Gigantamax burns!

X

Hello, young people. I'm professor Magnolia and my field of research is the dynamax phenomenon. Since I was a girl, I was interested in seeing Pokémon become gigantic and in some cases change their appearance to become even stronger without having to evolve. If I started to tell everything I know we would never finish. So come on, go to the Pokémon world and have fun!

GALAR

Many years ago…

Rose rested his hand on his little brother's head as the incessant rain fell on them. The area was full of desperate people asking the authorities for explanations.

The mines had collapsed and all the workers were trapped. Surely they had already died but some relatives retained hope.

"Don't worry, Peony," Rose said to his little brother, who couldn't stop crying. "I will take care of you."

Rose's family was very poor so the only way to get by was with Pokémon battles. After all, the Galar region was famous for being very competitive.

Rose had to do things he wasn't proud of but he managed to form a powerful Pokémon team and became the second best trainer in the region. His little brother Peony wasn't far behind, becoming regional champion for a few years.

Allying himself with an intelligent and talented woman named Oleana, Rose rose through the ranks in the Galar Pokémon Association and rose to the top, making important connections inside and outside the region.

Wedgehurst

"And do you think these Dynamax Bands will work?" Rose asked Professor Magnolia.

"If the materials your company has provided me are as good as you say, yes," Magnolia said very seriously. "Soon the best trainers in Galar will be able to use dynamax at will."

"A great advance without a doubt. My dream of creating a Galar where everyone lives happily and in peace is getting closer…" Rose said in a dreamy tone.

Professor Magnolia had never trusted him much, but being the head of the Macro cosmos company, working with him was the best way to advance her projects. However, Rose's strange attitude and his ambitious plans meant that in the end the professor didn't want to continue collaborating with him.

Wyndon - Energy plant Hangar

Eternatus lay asleep while Rose and her team of scientists analyzed him as best they could.

"We can only use his power if he is awake, president." Oleana informed him.

"I see, but controlling him will be very difficult... We will need a very strong trainer."

"It's a shame that your brother has left the position of champion," Oleana commented. "We could have asked him for help."

Rose laughed lightly.

"My brother would never help me or understand my plans. Furthermore, if he left it was precisely because he can't stand me or want to see me. A shame."

"So where will we find a trainer strong enough to catch Eternatus?"

"Where? Well, in the same place as always my dear Oleana! In the Pokémon League!"

Year 2022 – Hammerlocke – Galar TV

"Hello, Galar! I'm the president of the Galar Pokémon Association, Rose," he said. "I am pleased to be, for the fourth time in a row, the announcer of the Pokémon World Tournament! Advantages of the winner of the previous edition being from Galar, who by the way I have by my side today, right?"

A young brown man greeted the cameras with a big smile on his face.

"Hello president Rose, hello Galar," the man said. "I am Leon, champion of Galar and current world champion."

"Current he says, as if you haven't been for the last sixteen years," Rose laughed. "That's what it's like to never lose an official battle."

"I do what you can, president." Leon said happily. "However, it's time to tell those who still don't know what the Pokémon World Tournament is about."

"True, true. For those of you living under a rock, the Pokémon World Tournament is the biggest competition you've ever seen. It's held every four years and the strongest trainers in the world compete against each other to see who's the best. Ordinary people, ordinary trainers, Top trainers, gym leaders, Frontier Brain, Elite Four, champions... Anyone can sign up and prove their worth!"

"You can sign up at Pokémon centers in any region where the World Pokémon Association has jurisdiction," Leon continued. "These're: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, Orre, Ferrum, Aeos and Pasio. Of course this means that they can use, whenever possible, the special dynamics of each region if it has them."

"Like mega evolution, Z moves or dynamax," Rose explained. "Once registered, there'll be confrontations between all the participants around the world for almost a year, and depending on their victories or defeats they will rise or fall in the world ranking. Finally, those who remain among the thirty-two best will be the ones who go to the "real tournament", which will take place in Driftveil city, Unova. In that place, there'll be a traditional tournament until only one winner remains, the world champion!"

"So don't be scared and participate, please," Leon asked excitedly. "I'm sure that incredible battles and adventures await us, we and our Pokémon must give our all to show the world the greatest of shows!"

Motostoke - Pokémon Center

"The day has finally come," said a teenage girl as she stroked her amped form toxtricity. "Let's show everyone that we are the best."

Toxtricity began to play the organs in his chest, producing electric guitar music with which he showed his enthusiasm.

The young trainer laughed when she saw that.

"Yes, let's show them the power of your rock and roll!" Gloria exclaimed with the same enthusiasm. Her almond eyes flashed with the fire of victory.

"You're going to deaf us all with those screams."

The teen and Toxtricity turned around. Before them was a girl the same age as her. She had pale skin that highlighted her black hair and her bluish green eyes. On her left shoulder was a morpeko.

"Marnie! Are you also going to sign up?"

"Do you really have to ask?" she asked, somewhat offended. "Morpeko and I are a team to be feared, as you should already know Gloria."

"I beat you in the semifinals of last year league, I'm not afraid of you." Gloria joked.

"Well, I almost beat you in the final, so you better not let your guard down." Victor commented, suddenly appearing. Next to him was another boy the same age.

"Although it was a very good fight, a defeat is a defeat." said Hop, who kissed Gloria before putting an arm over her shoulders.

Victor stuck out his tongue and the four of them laughed for a while.

"Bede isn't here but he has probably already registered for the Pokémon World Tournament." Hop commented.

"The five chosen ones of Galar will meet again and this time in a big way." Gloria said excitedly.

"There're going to be more than a thousand trainers, with a lot of luck we will face each other at least once." Marnie said.

"Well, at least we know that Leon will be on top… again." Hop said somewhat seriously.

"In just two years we have managed to be Top trainers with the same level as the Elite Four from other regions." said Victor trying to liven up the atmosphere.

"That's normal in Galar," Marnie said. "Gym leaders also have Elite Four level."

"It doesn't matter, the position of world champion will be mine!" Gloria exclaimed.

"Not if I get it first." Bede said, suddenly appearing with an air of pride and superiority around him.

Marnie gave a long sigh.

"You're all underestimating the other trainers around world." said the girl, somewhat annoyed.

"They're the ones who underestimate us and that is why they will stay at the bottom while we face Leon at the top," Bede said with an arrogant smile. "With President Rose and Lady Opal's training, I am now invincible."

"Say that when you can beat one of us." Hop laughed. The others also laughed, making Bede quite angry.

Worldwide…

-Red: …

-Lance: My instinct tells me that something big is coming, I hope it's my victory.

-Steven: Get ready world, because here I am!

-Cynthia: This is my last chance to be the best in the world...

-Iris: You're going to fall, Leon!

-Diantha: Time to train thoroughly.

-Ash: Pikachu, I think I know what we're going to do this year.

KANTO

"You know about the Pokémon Go project, right?" Oak asked.

"Yes, on last year's field trip we visited professor Willow." Ash remembered.

"Well, you see, professor Willow has formed a division called the Legendary Project. It's made up of two renowned scientists: Professor Cerise and professor Amaranth. Their mission is to research legendary Pokémon from different regions."

"That sounds like a lot of fun! Besides, it must not be easy to see legendary Pokémon." Ash said.

"You're precisely the only person I know who has met practically almost all of the legendaries recorded so far," Oak reminded him. "That's why I told them that you could help them."

"Oh really?" Ash said excitedly until Pikachu gave him a gentle tap on the head. "Oh, that's right, I have to train and be prepared for the Pokémon World Tournament."

"Don't worry, the tournament always takes into account the applicants' ability to travel," Oak explained. "In your case, since you're a champion, it's considered that you can travel when necessary to other regions, which you can combine with the legendary project."

It didn't take much more for professor Oak to convince Ash to take the job. He would work under professor Cerise, who lived in Vermilion City but was moving to Galar in a few weeks.

Just as they were talking, a message arrived on Ash's new Rotom Phone with Pikachu case. Apparently the tournament had started and Ash's first rival was…

"Professor Oak?!"

"Hee, hee, hee... It seems like we're starting off strong," Oak said, taking off his robe as they watched as a Drone Rotom entered the laboratory to tell them to start fighting. The first champion of Alola against the first champion of Kanto.

"This is the kind of thing I was looking for, I was right to sign up as soon as possible." Ash said with a big smile.

Pikachu and Charizard vs Jolteon and Tauros at Oak's ranch. After a fierce fight Ash defeated the professor.

"My, your strength keeps increasing," Oak commented, surprised that he hadn't been able to weaken any of Ash's Pokémon. "Who would have thought that the young man who arrived late would give me the beating of my life?"

Viridian City

"You really don't want to sign up? You will have fun!" Ash said enthusiastically. Even so, Yellow didn't share this enthusiasm.

"I have my uncle Wilton, Mrs. Delia, you, my Pokémon... I'm already a gym leader and a Viridian Forest Ranger. I don't need anything else," said Yellow. "Competing to be the strongest in the world... I'm sorry but it's not style."

"Since you competed in other tournaments I thought maybe you would want to do it in this one." Ash said, somewhat sad that the girl he considered his sister wasn't going to compete in the world tournament.

"I only did it to make myself stronger and be able to get to where I'm." Yellow laughed affectionately when he saw him downcast. "Although if you want to fight me I'm always available."

"Ok!" said Ash excited with the idea. Yellow laughed when she saw how easy it was to please him.

So the two fought for fun while their pikachu played in the forest.

The next day Ash and Pikachu received a call from Yellow. The girl had ended up registering for the tournament because the deadline didn't end for about two months.

"I had a lot of fun with our friendly battle fo yesterday and Delia told me that fighting with people from other regions other than Kanto and Johto can help me a lot to improve as a Ranger and gym leader... I think it'll be a good experience."

Vermilion City – professor Cerise's Laboratory

Ash met professor Cerise, his daughter Chloe (whom she seemed to make uncomfortable with his enthusiastic personality), assistants Chrysa and Ren, and Go. It was this last one that caught his attention the most.

"I don't need help, I can look for Mew by myself!" Go complained when he found out that Ash was going to be his research partner.

"For the last time, Go, you have to look for legendaries, not just mew." Cerise said after taking a long sigh.

"Leave it, dad, Go only has one neuron and he uses it only to think about mew." Chloe said.

"Capturing Mew has always been my biggest dream since I was a child and I won't stop until I achieve it!" Go said. "I only joined this project so I could use their resources and knowledge. All to get closer to Mew."

"He doesn't even hide the fact that he's using you, Dad." Chloe commented embarrassed.

"Well, I think it's very cool that you have such a firm and clear objective." Ash said happily. Go looked at him a little stunned, because usually people made fun of him or told him that he was obsessive.

"…I still don't want to work with you." Go said, but this time in a low voice.

Professor Cerise quickly explained to Ash that professor Amaranth and his assistants Quillon, Danika and Hernando did the field work and then sent him data and information for him to corroborate or investigate further if necessary.

"They don't let Go go with them since he lacks the strength to move through dangerous places," Cerise explained, ignoring Go's bored look. "However, with you I'm sure that Go will get stronger and gain so much experience that Amaranth will have to accept him on his team."

"Is Ash really that strong?" Go asked with little interest.

"Strong? He is the champion of Alola."

"What?!" Everyone present exclaimed, because the teenager looked like anything but a regional champion. And their expressions of surprise and disbelief increased when the professor told them of Ash's numerous experiences with legendary Pokémon.

After a brief summary, even Chloe seemed curious about the young man from Pallet Town. Everyone wanted to bombard him with questions about everything but at that moment lieutenant Surge appeared to personally bring some materials to the professor.

After greeting Ash, he told him that Giovanni was completely missing from Kanto after his failed attempt last year at the Go Park.

"All members of the PWA have received your message about the Giovanni from another dimension. Do you know when he will appear?"

"Only Colress knows the details but he told me he would let us know in advance." Ash explained.

"If you trust him, so do I," said Surge, a little worried. "We have enough with our own villains and now we have villains from other worlds..."

On the Foam Islands Ash, Go and Chloe investigated Articuno with the help of Blaine. Moltres on Mt. Ember with the help of Lorelei. And finally they went to the Power plant to investigate Zapdos. There it was Misty who helped them.

"Wouldn't it have been better if you went to the Orange Archipelago?" Misty asked as they went towards the headquarters. "There the three birds are living together."

"Misty, after what happened last time I prefer not to bother them," said Ash, remembering with anguish his first moment as "the chosen one." "At least these birds aren't half as aggressive."

"Right…"

"Every time Ash speaks, he sounds like an old man remembering battles." Go said, although there was no malice in his words.

"Well, the truth is that Ash has lived a lot for being only seventeen years old." Misty said with a lot of love in her voice.

"I still feel like I'm ten years old." Ash laughed. Pikachu also laughed with him.

"Are these two dating?" Chloe asked herself, confused when she saw how they both treated each other.

After investigating the zapdos at the headquarters, Ash and Misty received a call from the Rotom Phone. They had to fight each other. Both Ash and Misty smiled and looked at each other just like two people who knew each other very well might look at each other.

"This tournament would be a disappointment if I couldn't fight you, Misty." Ash said very happily.

"Just because you're a champion doesn't mean I'm going to make things easy for you, Ash." Misty responded just as happily.

Bulbasaur and Snorlax vs Azumarill and Golduck. Go watched in amazement at the high-level combat that took place between the two friends and how Ash achieved victory without losing a single Pokémon. It's not that Misty was weak, it's that Ash was too strong.

"So this is the level of the Top trainers..." Go thought, a little overwhelmed. The level of a gym leader was the minimum requirement to work with professor Amaranth, so Go began to understand why they hadn't let him go with them.

"I'm glad to see you haven't become lazy." Misty said after losing.

"And I'm glad to see how strong you've become. You are amazing Misty!" Ash said with a smile that made the girl blush quite a bit to the point that she looked away.

"The training with Lorelei is what has helped me continue growing." Misty said embarrassed. "By the way, if you have time... we can go to a restaurant for dinner and that..."

"Ok! Go, do you want to come?"

"No, I prefer to continue capturing Pokémon in the area." said the boy. He couldn't waste time if he wanted to capture Mew as soon as possible.

"And you, Chloe?" Ash asked the girl.

"I-I will accompany Go." Chloe said when she saw Misty's happy face.

Pewter City - Museum

Ash, Go and Chloe, at professor Cerise's request, went together to see a new fossil exhibit created by the newly appointed professor Gary Oak. Ash and his companions were able to see up to eleven different fossils along with explanations of how these Pokémon lived in the past.

"In Alola I met a guy who wants to set up a park full of revived fossil Pokémon," Gary said. "At first it seemed a little silly to me, but after thinking about it I realized that it's a good way to get people to know and interact with rare Pokémon."

"Aren't these Pokémon scary?" Chloe asked.

"Not at all, I have seen them and they are very nice." Ash said.

"I have the feeling that everything seems nice to you." Go murmured.

Later Gary showed them the poster of the future park, which had a pikachu dressed as an archaeologist and behind him several fossil Pokémon.

Shortly after the Rotom Phone rang, signaling Ash's next fight.

ooOoo

"I'm having a lot of luck," Ash said, taking out Wartortle and Primeape. "Professor Oak, Misty and now you."

"Looks like some tournament judge is a fan of yours, huh?" said Brock, taking out Golem and Tyranitar. "Let's give them a good show."

"You're not rusty from studying so much at Saffron University, are you?" Ash joked.

"I'm still a Gym Leader so I can't afford to slack off... Besides, Nurse Joy loves strong men! No, I have to stay loyal to Olivia, Lucy, Nurse Joy, and Agent Jenny!"

"W-what's wrong with him?" Chloe asked, scared, watching as Brock almost jumped two meters in the air while hearts came out of his eyes.

"…I have no idea." Go said.

"I'm glad to see that university hasn't changed you." Ash laughed.

Ash won the fight and together with Go and Chloe had dinner at Brock's house. There they watched as Brock tried to organize the chaotic family, although most of the time he spent scolding his parents.

Celadon City

Pidgeot and Muk vs Leafeon and Tangrowth. Ash faced Erika and rose in the world tournament rank. Erika then gave them botany classes while she told Go and Chloe how Ash helped her kick Team Rocket out of her city.

"And the best of all is that I finally got that casino removed," Erika said very happily while she was checking Chloe's flower arrangements. "The vices are over."

"And what happened to the old guy who was outside the gym? Ash asked. That guy and Brock had become friends at first until Brock realized that the old man's level of perversion was too much even for him.

Erika simply smiled in a way that made none of the three want to continue asking. Still Erika answered Ash's question.

"Now he not only admires our beauty but also our strength."

Fuchsia City

Ash had to face Janine and Go accompanied him. However, upon entering the gym they had to overcome tests and traps.

"Is this gym always like this?" Go asked tiredly when they finally reached the end.

"Yeah, very fun, right?" Ash laughed. Go didn't answer because in front of them there were several identical girls. Between him and Ash they had to guess which was the real Janine for the fight to begin.

Kingler and Tauros vs Drapion and Crobat. Ash defeated Janine and rose again in the ranking.

"It's amazing how strong you've become, Man of Taurus," Janine said, making Ash make a sour face. "I need to train more if I want to surpass my father."

"Man of Taurus?" Go asked confused.

"I prefer not to talk about it." Ash said without looking him in the eyes.

Saffron City

Ash and Go visited the Fighting Dojo, where they saw Kiyo Kochi, the king of Karate. After leaving Johto's Elite Four four years ago, he had returned to his previous job.

It was in his dojo where Ash and Sabrina had their confrontation, being a Pikachu vs Gengar.

"Gengar wants to go with you," Sabrina told Ash after losing.

"Why?"

"He seems to feel that you have become someone completely different from when you first met him. Although I admit that I am going to miss his jokes." Sabrina confessed with a smile.

"And you still want to give it to Ash?" Go asked.

"The happiness of a Pokémon always comes first for a good trainer," said Sabrina, giving the Poké Ball to Ash. "Gengar is now looking for someone who can give him experiences that I cannot. Also, he was never completely mine, he was more of a great friend who lived with us."

"I don't understand it very well, but if Gengar doesn't have a problem I don't mind keeping him." Ash said with a wide smile.

Near the Orange Archipelago Mewtwo appeared in the middle of a storm. Ash and Go, with help from Agatha and Bruno of the Elite Four, had a raid battle. They lost but the experience was very enriching for Go, who felt that this was a small sample of what his fight against Mew would be like.

Pallet Town

Just one day before leaving for Galar, Ash had a fight against Leaf, the strongest of Kanto's Elite Four.

Dragonite and Gengar vs Ditto and Mega Blastoise.

"I can't believe I was beaten by the same kid who ran after us like crazy when we were little." Leaf said to Red, who was smiling proudly at Ash.

"I'm not a kid anymore, and I plan to beat all the strongest trainers in the world."

"We'll see if you say the same thing when you fight my boyfriend, right?" Leaf said winking at Red.

"…" Red responded.

"As inspiring as always." Leaf said proudly.

GALAR

Postwick: A farming town since days of old, where people and their Pokémon live in close harmony

"I'm not even surprised to see you here anymore, Ash. Technology is rising at giant steps! Now anyone can have a rotom in their cell phone." ―Tecno, the fat man.

Professor Cerise introduced his family, assistants, and Ash to his new laboratory. From there he would continue with his investigations of the Legendary project. Ash really wanted to see what this new region was like. Go for his part was still looking for clues about Mew and Chloe seemed a little sad about movingto this region, but since she was always serious, only her mother noticed it.

According to his Rotom Phone, Ash had to face a boy named Hop. The boy found him right away and took him to his house where there was a battlefield and a Drone Rotom waiting for them.

"Have I lost so easily?!" Hop asked when he saw how a pikachu had finished off Dubwool and Rillaboom. "You and your Pikachu are too strong."

"Thank you/Pika." said the dynamic duo.

"It's normal that they're, that boy is the champion of Alola," said a deep but friendly voice. "And his Pikachu has the strength to defeat even legendaries."

"Leon! You're back!" Hop said, happy to see his brother until he remembered his recent defeat. "I'm sorry, with how well the tournament was going and I have fall in the ranking..."

"Don't worry, it's normal in this type of tournaments." Leon said, caressing his head.

It was that day that Ash, Go and Chloe met the champion of Galar and world champion. Someone who hadn't been defeated in an official battle in his entire career as a trainer.

Ash wanted to confront him but Leon had to reject the offer even though he also wanted to... In the end Leon couldn't resist seeing the fire in Ash's eyes and beat up his pikachu using charizard.

Chloe thought Ash would be depressed about losing but she was shocked to see how happy the young man from Pallet Town was.

"So this is the level of the one on top of the world?! I want to face him again!" Ash thought.

Wedgehurst: Our quiet borough is home to the esteemed Pokémon Research Lab

Twenty thousand years ago, a meteorite fell in the Galar region. Inside was a mysterious Pokémon called Eternatus that took three thousand years to awaken. Doing so caused an event known as the Darkest Day. A black vortex covered the region, and fragments of Eternatus began to fall from the sky. The energy released by this Pokémon caused giant Pokémon to emerge that devastated everything in their path. The cataclysm was stopped by the two legendary heroes, who defeated Eternatus and restored peace.

The awakening of Eternatus was what caused all that energy, called Dynamax energy, to spread uncontrollably throughout Galar. The fragments of Eternatus, the wishing pieces, were scattered throughout the region. These fragments emit Galar particles, and a high concentration of them caused the Pokémon to reach the Dynamax state. The places where Dynamax energy condenses and Galar particles concentrate are called power spots, and Pokémon can dynamax themselves there." ―Stories and legends of Galar.

"I haven't seen Galar with so much energy since the Dexit." Professor Magnolia commented looking out the window.

"Heavyweights have entered the Pokémon World Tournament," explained her granddaughter Sonia while looking at her nails. "Leon says that this year's quantity and quality is among the best so far this decade."

"And what does that have to do with the commotion outside?"

"Leon and the champion from another region have had a fight and everyone has gone to see it or at least that's what social media says." Sonia said.

Shortly after, the two received a visit from Leon, professor Cerise and his assistants. They ate with them and Sonia and Go hit it off very well. Ash and the others learned that Sonia was Leon's childhood friend and was studying to be the next dynamax professor.

"Dynamax, what is that?" Ash, Go and Chloe asked.

"A phenomenon by which Pokémon become giants and in some cases even change their appearance," Professor Magnolia explained. Next, her granddaughter Sonia told everything they knew about the phenomenon and her story.

Before leaving, Sonia gave Ash a video about last year's Galar Pokémon League, so he could see what kind of trainers the region had.

ooOoo

Galar League 2021:

-First Round: Gloria vs Sordward, Milo vs Nessa, Marnie vs Opal, Raihan vs Piers, Victor vs Shielbert, Bea vs Melony, Hop vs Bede and Klara vs Gordie.

-Second Round: Gloria vs Milo, Marnie vs Raihan, Victor vs Bea and Hop vs Klara.

-Semi-finals: Gloria vs Marnie and Victor vs Hop

-Finals: Gloria vs Victor

That same night, Ash saw how Gloria defeated Victor in the final and that gave her the right to face the champion Leon, even so Ash saw with surprise how Gloria, who had the same level as an Elite Four member, could only beat one of Leon's Pokémon.

ooOoo

Wedgehurst station

His next rival was a girl named Peonia and according to the Rotom Phone, she had to be close there.

"You are so annoying, dad. Leave me alone and stop following me! I'm older now, okay? I don't need you to take me by the hand everywhere. I can go on adventures by myself. If you want, you can take Penny with you." said a brunette girl

"Don't involve me in your affairs." Another girl complained.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don't worry my sweet Peonia! Where I plan to go, you won't be bored, I assure you that. Trust dad!"

"Thanks but no!" Peonia said.

"Honey, you already know that I don't like to raise my voice... But, if you don't listen to me, you're not going to leave me a choice."

"Why don't we go home?" Penny asked distressed when she saw that they were attracting a lot of attention.

"See? You have managed to make your sister nervous." said the man.

"Really, dad, emotional blackmail?"

"Going alone through those places in Galar is very dangerous, I don't know if your Pokémon team is ready."

"Ugh, look at my Pokémon team and tell me they're not strong!" Said the girl, opening her six Poké Balls, from which came a shiny pikachu, a blastoise, a blaziken, a rillanbonn, an orbettle and a tyrantrum.

"Wow, all your Pokémon look really strong!" said Ash, interrupting the family discussion.

"Thank you! See dad? Even he agrees." Peonia said proudly.

"And who are you, if I may ask?" Said the man, standing in front of his daughters.

"He's Ash Ketchum, the Alola champion who fought in the middle of the street with Leon," Penny explained when she saw him. "Sis, he's your next opponent."

"What?! I'm just starting and I get to fight a champion" Peonia said surprised.

"Wow, you're a celebrity, huh? Well, I'm Peony, father of these two beauties!" said the proud man.

"Dad!" the sisters shouted at the same time.

"Nice to meet you!" Ash said with a big smile.

The fight between was Pikachu vs shiny Pikachu, with Ash winning the fight. Although the two pikachu became friends immediately and started playing.

Ash, Go and Chloe visited Motostoke to see if its library had information on the legendaries of Galar. There was an incident there with Pokémon suddenly dynamaxing. Pikachu also suffered the same thing, only they learned that his thing was called Gigantamax due to the change in appearance.

Leon and Sonia then gave Ash, Go and Chloe Dynamax Band, so they could control use dynamax on their Pokémon.

Slumbering Weald

A labyrinthine place completely surrounded by a dense and extensive fog, which covered every corner of the forest. Ash and Go had gone after hearing rumors about strange Pokémon in the area, but it was difficult to even see their own feet.

Along the way they encountered fairy, bug, and psychic type Pokémon that seemed to mock them every time they took a wrong turn.

Despite everything, they saw two strange Pokémon that helped them get out of there unharmed and then disappeared among the mysterious level without leaving any trace.

Later Sonia would tell them that those two Pokémon were the legendary Zacian and Zamazenta.

Turffield: A town nestled within the nurturing bowl of our many terraced farming fields

"Sure seems like you understand Pokémon real well. This is gonna be a doozy of a battle! I'll have to Dynamax my Pokémon if I want to win!" ―Milo, The fighting farmer!

Ash went to the Dimple stadium for his next official match. Go did not go because he wanted to continue studying the town's geoglyph.

Gigantamax Pikachu vs Dynamax Eldegoss. Thanks to combat, Ash was able to begin to better understand how dynamax worked. He also observed the incredible strength of Galar's gym leaders.

"The power of Grass has wilted... What an incredible Gym Challenger!" Milo laughed as he shook Ash's hand. I know you don't need it nor that this was a gym battle, but I present you with the Grass Badge as proof of the incredible fight you have given me."

"Thank you very much, I never say no to a badge!" said Ash, happy to have risen again in the tournament.

Hulbury: A bustling seaport that many visit to see its lively market stalls and famous restaurant

"Welcome, Ash Ketchum! You better be prepared for what's coming your way... The fights in the world tournament have nothing to do with those of the gym challenge." ―Nessa, The raging wave!

Farfetch'd (Galar Form) Dynamax vs Drednaw Gigantamax.

Nessa was a very competitive woman who didn't make things easy for Ash. Not to mention that the new Pokémon that the young man from Pallet Town had caught had a somewhat difficult and serious attitude. Still, Ash managed to connect with his Pokémon and win.

Nessa didn't seem to take it well.

"H-how is that possible?!... Sigh... No wonder you beat Milo," she said after relaxing. "I sense a formidable spirit in you and your team. It will undoubtedly help you seize victories in the tournament until you face Leon. Milo gave you his badge even though it wasn't necessary, right? Well, then take mine too! I want everyone to know that you are a great trainer."

"Wow, it's like I'm preparing for the Pokémon League again." Ash laughed after taking the Water badge.

ooOoo

Ash, Go and Chloe, at the latter's idea, went to the Maximizers concert, a music group formed by the Toxtrocity brothers, a rillaboom and an obstagoon.

Then they visited a lighthouse that had a statue of two Toxtricity who were apparently the protectors of the place.

ooOoo

Captain's Plate Restaurant

From here they saw Milo and Nessa leaving, the latter being dressed casually, with sunglasses and a cap to go unnoticed.

"I'm afraid you're too pretty for that." Milo laughed when people recognized her right away.

"Your flattery is not going to make me go easy on you the next time we face each other, my eternal rival." Nessa said with a smile.

With just that interaction, Chloe's imagination created a fictional romance story in her head. She wasn't the only one due to the commotion that was created on social networks the next day.

Ash and his companions also met president Rose and his intimidating assistant Oleana. Apparently Rose was very interested in Ash after watching his unofficial battle against Leon and having studied his career as a Pokémon trainer.

"I hope you give us an incredible show at this year's world tournament." Rose said before leaving. "Oh, and you should walk with more boldness and pride, let it be seen that you are a champion!"

JOHTO

Azalea Town

Ash, Go and Chloe went to investigate the Johto legendaries. Although Chloe went reluctantly because so much traveling made it difficult for her to concentrate on her studies. At least her teachers let her take classes online.

The Rotom Phone indicated that Ash's next opponent was Silver, his former rival, who was now part of the International Police.

Typhlosion vs Rhyperior.

"I've been investigating the Ilex with Bugsy and Colress," Silver told him after losing the fight. "There're people who claim to have seen Giovanni in the area. And the celeb who lives with Kriss and Lyra has been very nervous lately."

"Do you think it has something to do with Giovanni from another dimension?" Ash asked.

"Colress thinks so but we're not sure... Hopefully he'll be our Giovanni."

After the conversation, Ash led Go and Chloe to Kurt the Poké Ball Maker. Go thanked him because as the team's catcher, knowing more about the different types of Poké Balls was very important.

"Reminds me a lot of Kriss." Maizie, Kurt's granddaughter, commented.

Ash and Go investigated a raikou with the help of Falkner and an entei with the help of Pryce. They even stopped some Pokémon hunters with the help of Chuck, saving a suicune in the process, which Go captured by accident.

"It's not possible, I've been after that suicune for weeks! Give it to me!" Roared a furious Eusine, who suddenly appeared, scaring Go.

"Who are you?!"

"Don't pay attention to him, Go. He'll leave when he accepts that you're not going to hit suicune." Ash advised him.

"My suicune!" Eusine cried, falling to his knees on the ground.

Olivine City

One stormy day, a lugia appeared in the sky of Olivine City. There, with the help of Will and Koga of the Elite Four, Ash and Go had a raid battle.

The next day Chloe accompanied them because she wanted to see a Pokémon contest that was being held in the city. They watched in wonder at Jasmine's performance, who easily beat the other participants using an ampharos.

After the contest, Jasmine greeted Ash and his companions, thanking them for fighting the lugia that had caused storms in the city.

"The ampharos you used in the contest wasn't Amphy, right?" Ash asked curiously.

"No, I captured him when he was a mareep and trained him to be Amphy's successor. I only use him for contests since he really likes to "shine like a star."" Jasmine laughed.

Chloe had been very impressed by the contest and talked about it quite a bit with Jasmine. For the first time in a long time, Go saw his childhood friend smile and that made him quite happy. Ash was also happy to know that Chloe could smile for quite a while.

City Goldenrod

Ash vs. Whitney. Meganium vs Sawsbuck.

"My sawsbuck evolved from a deerling that a Unova fan gave me three years ago." Whitney told him after losing the fight.

"Well, he's very strong, almost as strong as your miltank." Ash watched as she caressed Meganium, who was very delighted for having given Ash the victory.

Blackthorn City

Ash vs. Claire. Noctowl shiny vs Druddigon shiny. Go and Chloe watched in wonder as the two shiny Pokémon gave it their all, until Claire's druddigon fell due to exhaustion, giving the victory to Ash.

"Shiny Pokémon seem to glow when they come out of the Poké Balls." Chloe commented.

"Researchers still can't agree on why this happens," Go said. "I would really like to have one of those Pokémon."

"You've become very strong Ash," Claire said. "And to think you now have the same title as my cousin Lance."

"Time really flies," said Lance, who had seen it all. "Without realizing it we'll become old."

"Yes, that's why my Pokémon and I will give everything at all times so that we have no regrets in the future."

"Good luck then and I hope you go even further." Claire said.

"Me too, I want to see how strong the first champion of Alola is." Lance said with a small smile.

Ecruteak City

Ash and his companions went to Ecruteak City to investigate Ho-oh, but they achieved nothing apart from learning a couple of old legends. Then Ash invited them to the kimono girls' show, because he remembered how much he had liked him in the past. And maybe they knew something more about Ho-oh.

"Ash, long time no see." Umeko said when she saw him. Next to the kimono girl was a espeon who came to say hello and play with Pikachu and Scorbunny.

"Yes, we haven't seen each other since the Pokéathlon of four years ago," Ash remembered wistfully. "And on top of that, because of Team Rocket, we couldn't have fun."

"I'm more sorry that it's been so long since we enjoyed each other's company," Umeko said sadly. "Could you give me some of your time?"

"Of course!"

Chloe watched in confusion as Ash didn't realize that Umeko was practically asking him out on a date.

"First Misty and now Umeko… A love triangle?" She murmured a little excited.

"And the investigation about Ho-oh?" Go asked, interrupting her friend's thoughts.

"Oh right!" Ash remembered. "We had come for information about legendary Pokémon."

"It's okay, we can eat together while my sisters talk to your friends," Umeko explained quickly. "And if you stay one more day, tomorrow you can see our show. I know you really liked it the first time you saw it. Six years ago, right?"

"It's a very good plan." Ash said.

ooOoo

The next day and during the show, Ash met Morty, who laughed when he learned that his friend Eusine had missed the opportunity to capture another suicune. Chloe, for her part, loved the show and seeing how the Pokémon helped behind the scenes to put on a magical show.

At the end of the night the kimono girls ended up giving Chloe an eevee. She apparently had the face of an "Eevee trainer", whatever that was.

"Also, you're not the first Ash's friend we've given an eevee to." The kimono girls said.

"Ash, next time don't take so long to visit me, I mean, visit us." Umeko said with a light blush on her cheeks.

"I promise!"

New Bark Town

"Does your children have a hard time washing their teeth? Do you want to teach them in a way that they never get bored and think it's the funniest thing in the world? Then use Smile, the new program co-created by two eminences of science, professor Oak and professor Elm! With Smile, your child will learn to brush their teeth while they enjoy watching "Pokémon" in real time kill their oral bacteria and destroy potential cavities! Call now, before it runs out since it's a limited product." ―Kriss in the Pokémon Smile commercial.

After defeating Karen's umbreon using Donphan, the Rotom Phone told him that his next rival was Lyra.

Feraligatr and Heracross vs Meganium and Mega Gyarados Shiny. Lyra managed to defeat Feraligatr but her mega gyarados lost to Heracross, giving the victory to Ash.

"It's the first time I've seen Ash lose a Pokémon in this tournament." Chloe commented.

"That's because Meganium has weakened Feraligart a lot. Ash should have used a Pokémon that had a type advantage," Go explained. "Even so, he has won and against a mega evolution..."

"You have a lot of talent, no wonder you are already the strongest in Johto's Elite Four." Ash said, shaking Lyra's hand.

"Thank you," the girl said, blushing with embarrassment due to the compliment. "This fight reminded me of the one I had against Red four years ago, it was just as intense."

"Ash, tell my dear sister to stop dating Silver, please." Kriss asked his friend.

"Are she and Silver dating?"

"Right? Who would want to date such a moody boy?

"But Silver is now more chill and kind." Ash commented, making Kriss look bitter and her sister Lyra look triumphant.

"You're the one who should talk the least about boys when your boyfriend is Ethan." Lyra said.

"What do you mean by that?" Ethan asked offended. "I haven't gone after pretty girls since I've been dating your sister."

"Exactly! He may be a fool but he's my fool." Kriss defended him.

"Hey!"

"…I honestly don't know what to say, Pikachu." said Ash watching the scene.

"Pika…"

"Right, better not to say anything."

Later Kriss talk to Go about catching Pokémon and Ethan talk with Chloe about raising Pokémon. Go learned more about the weak points of different Pokémon and Chloe learned how to best care for her Eevee.

"I found out that you're succeeding in the world of Pokémon idols." Ash said to his friend Kriss. "I saw you in a Pokétch ad when I traveled through Sinnoh."

"And she has also become a Top coordinator, Kriss is the best." Ethan said proudly.

"Although I don't understand why your stage name is Marina," Lyra said. "Why not use your real name?"

"All the great artists use fake names, especially in PokéWood." Kriss explained.

"That's true, it's a widely used trick to gain fame and make sure no one knows about your past." Chloe commented.

"Are you thinking about becoming an idol too?" Go asked her. "You seem to be really liking the contests and shows."

"No, no, no... But the truth is that there're many things that can be done with Pokémon that I didn't know." Chloe said with a somewhat nervous smile.

"So you are no longer professor Elm's assistants?" Ash asked to his friends.

"Kriss still catches Pokémon for me when he has time, but Ethan now works at a daycare he opened nearby with my help. YoungsterJoey returned from Alola and offered to be my new assistant," said professor Elm, appearing suddenly. The man still had the same clueless look as always, however he carried a Rotom Phone in his hand and showed the screen to Ash. "I came because it seems that you're my next rival."

"I'm surprised that the professor knows how to use a Rotom Phone." Ethan murmured to Kriss, who nodded because she very much agreed.

Meganium and Heracross vs Raichu and Corsola.

"…My goodness, professor Oak was right, your strength is not of this world." Elm laughed after losing.

GALAR

Motostoke: An industrial city studded with steam-powered marvels of modern engineering

Anyone could say that Motostoke was the capital of Galar and many would believe it. The steampunk influence reminded Ash of the Azoth kingdom in Kalos.

Ash, Go and Chloe left the Budew Drop Inn where they were staying, to visit the city before Ash's official fight.

"Are you the boy who beat up my boyfriend Hop and then fought Leon?" said a girl who stopped them in the middle of the street.

"Yes, I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and this is my friend Pikachu."

"Pika!"

"I am Go from Vermilion City."

"…I'm Chloe."

"Well, my name is Gloria and I'm the winner of last year's Galar Pokémon League," the girl said very enthusiastically. "I saw you in a PokéNet video telling Leon that you were going to beat him, well you're wrong! I'm the only one who will become world champion."

"Not if I do it first."

"Are you challenging me?!"

"I never say no to a good challenge."

Gloria laughed when she saw Ash's attitude.

"Very well, then get ready because when we have to face each other I'll have no mercy."

"Perfect, because my victory will taste better."

ooOoo

Motostoke Stadium

"I will continue to face any challenge! It is my duty as a trainer if I want to survive in this world tournament. As long as you continue to push yourself to surpass your own limits, you'll never stop shining." ―Kabu, The ever-burning man of fire!

Dynamax Gengar vs Gigantamax Centiskorch. Kabu was a veteran trainer who knew many tricks, yet Ash also had his own so he managed to overcome him.

"It has been a long time since they gave me such a heated fight. Even so, you still have a long way to go to be at Leon's level," Kabu said. "I give you the Fire badge so that you remember my words and continue advancing down this steep slope that is the Pokémon world tournament."

"Don't worry, I never forget what my rivals tell me," Ash said, taking the badge. "When you least expect it, I'll have reached Leon...No, I will have beat him."

Kabu smiled as he heard his aspirations.

"Still, don't do like me and fly too close to the sun. The wings of hope can be very flammable."

Route 6

They saw an exasperated Gary working alongside Fossil Maniac and a woman named Cara Liss. Cara was a supposed expert on fossils from Galar and her resurrection machine worked well, the problem was her habit of mixing fossils, creating strange… Pokémon.

What's more, Cara ended up giving a dracovish to Ash and an arctozolt to Go for their help.

"She also gave me arctozolt." Gloria revealed, who had gone there because her Rotom Phone told her that her next rival was Ash.

The match was Dragonite vs Urshifu rapid strike style. To Ash and Gloria's surprise, the match ended in a draw.

"It's the first time that Urshifu lost a fight... if we don't count the one I had with Leon, of course." Gloria said after shaking Ash's hand.

"The same thing happens to Dragonite." Ash said as he watched how his newly recovered Pokémon began to hug Gloria's Pokémon, who didn't seem uncomfortable but a little confused.

"I've never seen a Pokémon like this, where did you get it?" Go asked Gloria.

"My friend Victor and I went to a place called the Isle of Armor, where we went through hellish training right before the Pokémon League," Gloria recalled with some bitterness. "As a reward for being the best students, Master Mustard gave us each a kubfu. We evolved them and the rest is history. According to the master, urshifu are legendary Pokémon."

"Legendary Pokémon? I guess we'll have to stop by that island sometime." Go said to Ash.

"Sure, that training she's talking about sounds like fun." Ash said.

Stow-on-Side Town: A vibrant town that has grown up around an ancient mural tucked away in the mountains

"Prepare to love Marnie! And make it doubly! To protect Marnie from defeat. To unite everyone under Marnie's reign. To always support Marnie. To destroy Marnie's enemies. Casey! Henry! Linoone! Team Yell clears the way for their beloved Marnie! Surrender now or prepare to be cancelled! Li, linoone!" ―Casey, Henry and Linoone (The TYio).

Ash and Go came across a boy named Allister being harassed by a man and a woman who were painted and dressed in a punk style. They boasted of being the founders of Team Yell and their mission was to incapacitate the participants of the Pokémon World Tournament so that they couldn't continue participating.

Soon many other Team Yell grunts appeared to attack the boy but Ash and Go helped him, forcing the grunts to flee.

"I-impressive... Even though we are the commanders and had support from the grunts, we lost..." Casey complained as they fled from there.

"I'm afraid Marnie is going to have a harder time than when she participated in the Pokémon League." Henry whined.

"T-thank you for helping me but you didn't need to do it," said the boy, who was wearing a Whitney mask in which only his ghostly eyes could be seen. "Team Yell is no big deal."

"Still, we don't like to see bullies messing with people." Ash said with a smile.

"Besides, so many against one is never fair." Go said.

The boy later revealed to be Allister, one of the city's two gym leaders. To thank them for their act of bravery, he helped them get the necessary ingredients so that Ash's Gengar could use his gigamax form.

That night, while they were walking, a tanned girl came running and hugged Allister quickly.

"Are you ok? I heard that Team Yell attacked you this morning," the girl had a very serious expression on her face. "With how kind you are, I'm sure you let yourself be defeated."

"N-no, these two helped me." Alistar said, somewhat embarrassed by the hug.

"Hi, I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and this is my friend Pikachu."

"Pika!"

"I'm Go."

"Hello, I'm Bea and I'm the other gym leader of this city," the girl said with a slight bow. "I appreciate you helping my bo-"

She couldn't finish the sentence because Allister's and Ash's Rotom Phone rang at the same time.

ooOoo

Stow-on-Side Stadium

"H-hello... I've already seen how strong you are... But I haven't shown you my full strength yet... That's why, uh... Well, let's f-fight!" ―Allister, The silent boy of mystery!

Dracovish and Gengar Gigamax vs Cursola and Gengar shiny Gigamax. Allister seemed like a different person when he fought. More determined and not at all nervous.

"This mask... had prevented me from seeing how strong you really are... Luckily I-I really like strong trainers..." Allister said. "T-here, the Ghost badge…"

"Are you going to give him your badge?" Bea asked curiously. "It wasn't a gym battle."

"S-sorry, it's the habit…"

Even so, Ash had already taken the badge and was celebrating the victory with Go.

ooOoo

In the afternoon Bea invited them to have a snack at a restaurant near the market. Go didn't want to go since he saw Sonia and went with her to investigate a mural. During snack Ash saw Bea smile for the first time while she ate candy.

Later Go called Ash asking him to come right away. When Ash arrived, he saw a boy named Bede trying to break the Stow-on-Side Ancient Mural.

"Enough, this mural is more important than your ambitions!" Sonia shouted. Neither she nor Go could stop him because their Pokémon had been defeated by the boy's Pokémon.

"What do I care? I'm sure there're wishing stars around here..." Bede said, completely ignoring her.

"Stop, or I'll have to stop you." Ash said very seriously. Bede turned around and calmly observed Ash.

"You sound familiar… Ah, yes, the boy everyone is talking about. The new champion of a little island that nobody knows. I don't understand how Gloria tied with you."

"Why don't you find out yourself?" Ash said, taking out a Poké Ball.

"I'm not going to let anyone get in my way!" Bede also said, taking out a Poké Ball. "Hmm... I only have two healthy Pokémon left... Bah, more than enough."

Pikachu and Dragonite vs Hatterene and Copperajah. Bede watched in surprise as his Pokémon fell before her eyes.

"No way... The president chose me for my talent to fight in his name and become the new champion of Galar! I'm a Top trainer destined to build the future of Galar!" Bede shouted furiously as the police took him away.

"What a lesson you've taught him, Ash." Go said proudly.

"Yeah." Ash laughed.

"I'm sorry to spoil the party for you guys, but Bede has connections with president Rose, plus he's the apprentice of a prestigious gym leader," Sonia explained to them while playing with her hair. "He won't be in jail for an hour if he gets in and... What's that?!"

Ash, Go and Sonia saw that behind the fallen mural there were four statues. That of two people who looked like kings and in front of them two Pokémon carrying objects. Sonia got very excited and immediately started doing research on the topic.

Bea and Allister then thanked them for trying to save the mural and for discovering something new that would bring even more tourists to the city.

HOENN

Route 111 – Desert - Old Mirage Tower

Zinnia and Aster devoured several apples and berries together. Her old, threadbare cloak fluttered slightly due to the gentle wind in the area.

"Don't eat so much at once, Aster, or you'll choke." Zinnia advised her whismur as she saw how she put five apples at the same time into her mouth.

Aster listened to her and dropped some apples. Zinnia took the opportunity to pick them up and eat them quickly.

"Whis!" exclaimed the surprised Aster.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not going to let you eat them all!" Zinnia laughed. Then she stretched her arms and lay down on the floor. "This is life! It's been a while since we visited Hoenn but I'm already looking forward to going to another region."

"Whis, whismur." Aster also agreed with her friend's thoughts.

Zinnia was about to say something when she felt the presence of someone approaching her.

"You're late, where were you?" she asked while looking at his friend.

"I've been talking to the Pokémon in the area. How are you doing in the tournament?"

"You don't need to ask me about that, I already know you don't like fighting very much." Zinnia said.

His companion smiled.

"You're my friend and I like to ask my friends about their lives."

"…I'm doing well. The truth is that there aren't many trainers around here who give me a good fight. No one is like Ash..."

"Yes, Ash is someone special in more ways than one." N said, noticing Zinnia's nostalgic look.

The two sat there, observing the beautiful desert landscape from that mysterious tower. If you looked carefully, you could see some cacturne desiccating other Pokémon and then taking them as food to their newborn cacnea.

Lavaridge Village

Crawdaunt vs Mega Blaziken.

"Argh! I can't believe it, thanks to Grandpa I manage to reach the level of an Elite Four and still lose," Flannery complained. "Your Pokémon can't even Mega Evolve!"

"Just because you have the mega evolution you trusted in yourself too much," his grandfather, Mr. Moore, scolded her. "And on top of that you've forgotten that Ash is now a champion. Having Elite Four level isn't enough to beat him."

"Yes, grandpa, I already know..."

"Still, it was a very good fight, boss." commented Hodge, Flannery's assistant at the hot springs.

Ash very much agreed with her comment.

"The truth is that I had a very good time."

"You always have a good time fighting." Go commented. Chloe very much agreed.

Flannery then invited them to the hot springs, where Go and Chloe enjoyed the warmth and serenity of the place while Ash battled Hodge in a local tournament called the Flute Cup.

ooOoo

With the help of Sidney and Glacia they had a raid battle against a groudon that had gotten very close to Lavaridge town. After the tough fight, they discovered that the groudon only wanted to bathe in a hot spring area.

"It's a little smaller than the Alpha Groudon..." Ash commented when he saw it.

"Thank goodness, with how strong he's, I don't even want to think if he had been the Alpha." Go said relieved.

"Hahaha! You need to live life more, kid." Sidney said patting him on the back.

Glacia let out a sigh.

"Don't pay attention to him, he has always had suicidal tendencies." said the elegant woman, making Sidney laugh even more.

ooOoo

During the following days Ash, Go and Chloe carried out intensive investigations as they were at full strength thanks to the hot springs. With Roxanne they investigated regirock. With Juan a regice and with Wattson a registeel.

"I wish there was an electric-type regi," Wattson complained.

ooOoo

Swellow vs Mega Altaria.

"Wow, for a moment it was like fighting Wallace," said Winona, surprised after losing the fight against Ash. "Before your strength was like a tornado and now it¡s like a storm."

"Thanks, I guess." Ash laughed.

"I'm starting to think that you and your Pokémon are monsters." Chloe said nervously to the Alola champion.

"Monsters? Well, we just train until we can't take it anymore and then we push our limits and keep training."

"…That doesn't seem healthy to me…"

"At least we're learning a lot about high-level Pokémon battles." Go said.

Petalburg City

Norman, May and Max had discovered a rock with crystalline layers in which a jirachi was sleeping. After doing some quick research, Go asked May to sing.

"Sing? Me?"

"If a person with a beautiful voice sings, Jirachi will wake up even if it's not his time." Go said after reading the information in the Pokédex.

"How do you know my voice will work?"

"You have always sung very well." Ash commented.

"And now that you are a Top Coordinating, they force you to give singing classes in which you get very good grades." Max reminded her.

"There's nothing wrong with trying." Norman said.

"Okay, okay, I'll try." May said, giving up.

The girl started singing a lullaby that her mother sang to her when she was little and to everyone's surprise, it worked. Jirachi woke up and the first person she saw was Max, instantly becoming attached to the boy.

After convincing Norman, he let Max keep the Pokémon, although he couldn't use her until he was much stronger. That meant Max had to be able to beat his father in a six-on-six match by giving it his all.

"Ralts and I are going to train like crazy." Max said very happily.

"And how are the contests going for you?" Ash asked May as they watched Max and Go observe Jirachi.

"As you've already heard, I'm a Top coordinating," May said very happily. "I go to many places and meet famous people, but the only thing that interests me is being able to compete against coordinators equal to or stronger than me."

"I always knew you would go far in these contests," Ash said proudly. "You're the best!"

"T-thank you!" May said a little embarrassed. She seemed to have a little trouble looking Ash in her eyes, a detail that Chloe noticed until she remembered something.

"In Olivine City I met Jasmine," Chloe said, "she also enjoyed contests."

May looked at Chloe for a few moments and then took her hands.

"There's a contest coming soon! Do you want to participate with me?"

"Eh?!"

A few days later Chloe participated in her first Pokémon contest in Calagua city. And although she lost to May and Lisia, she and Eevee had a great time.

Meanwhile Ash defeated Brawly in Dewford town in a Torkoal vs Hariyama.

South Island

After boarding the S.S. Tidal, Tate and Liza helped the group of friends get to where a Latios and Latias lived. They played with the legendaries before leaving the island.

ooOoo

Near Ever Grande City

Another day they had the help of Phoebe and Drake in a raid battle against a kyogre that was causing problems in the area. Apparently she had come to help some water Pokémon that were being chased by Pokémon hunters.

"What good kyogre." Phoebe said lovingly as she caressed him.

"Don't get so close, she can be dangerous." Drake advised him worriedly, but Phoebe stuck out her tongue and continued petting the Pokémon.

Battle Resort – Battle Mansion

Ash faced Wally, who had already defeated many rivals in the Pokémon World Tournament, showing how much he had continued to grow since last year.

Pikachu, Swellow and Sceptile vs Mega Gallade, Magnezone and Roserade.

"Ugh, no matter how much I get better, you're always like a hundred steps ahead of me," Wally joked.

"It was a very good fight. It's obvious that you train like crazy every day." Ash said.

"Thank you."

"By the way, I didn't know there was a Battle Maison in Hoenn."

"This one is run right now by Dana and Evelyn, and the one in Kalos by Morgan and Nita," Wally said. "Although their positions are usually exchanged every few weeks. And so I can see them all too, long-distance relationships are a bit complicated. They are thinking about making a Battle Maison located between Hoenn and Kalos to live there and avoid so much travel."

"W-wait, long-distance relationships?" Chloe asked confused. "Are you dating any of them?"

"With all four. I have to thank Bonnie for helping me two years ago."

"…?!" Both Go and Chloe were so surprised that they almost fell to the ground, while Ash smiled at his friend when he saw how happy he was.

ooOoo

Ash's next fight was in the afternoon and against his friend Emerald.

Pikachu (Pikashunium Z) vs Hoopa.

"I still don't understand why you haven't agreed to be a Frontier Brain," Emerald said after losing the fight. "With how strong you're, you would be the leader of the other brains in no time."

"Being a champion is enough work for me." Ash laughed.

"And on top of that now you work for professor Cerise, you have matured a lot." Brendan said.

Ash had met up again with Brendan, Emerald and professor Birch, who were investigating some mirage spots that had appeared near the resort.

If it weren't for the Battle Chatelaine sisters, the legendaries that had left the area would have done a lot of damage to the people of the resort.

"What an interesting Pokémon," Go commented after observing Emerald's hoopa. "If its rings could be studied we could make a fairly futuristic transportation system."

"Devon Co. thinks the same thing, but it would cost time and a lot of money," Brendan explained. "If it's done it won't be something that everyone can have until a couple of decades have passed at least and not even then."

Later Rotom Phone indicated that Ash's next fight was against professor Birch. This fight was a Sceptile vs Wailord and despite the size disadvantage, Sceptile managed to win.

"Hahaha. I see that you have become too big even for me. You have some strength, Ash." Birch laughed.

Sky Pillar

"Wallace asked me to accompany you since he is busy." Anabel said very happily. Chloe watched as the girl clung very close to Ash to the point that their shoulders were touching when going up the stairs of the place.

"Are you sure it's not a bother?" Ash asked worried. "Being a Frontier Brain and a police officer has to be a lot of work."

"Don't worry, I've learned to combine my jobs very well," Anabel said without giving it much importance. "By the way, do you know that I beat Brandon recently in a six-on-six?"

"Really?! How strong have you become?! Did he use his regis?"

Anabel laughed when she saw Ash's surprised expression.

"He used all three. Right now I'm the leader of the Battle Front between Kanto and Hoenn."

"Congratulations, I always knew you were the best!"

Those words made Anabel look away to prevent everyone from seeing how red her face was.

"You're also the best..." the girl murmured.

Chloe put her hand over her mouth when she saw all this.

"It wasn't a triangle, but... a quintet?" she murmured somewhat confused. Her Eevee looked at her strangely because she didn't usually see her so excited.

"I've heard a lot about the battle frontier," Go commented suddenly. "They say it's a nightmare for trainers who haven't won at least one league."

"Well, I conquered two without wining a single league." Ash said proudly.

"Really? Are you a monster or something?" Go asked a little fascinated.

"On both occasions you had the level necessary to win a league," Anabel said to Ash after composing herself. "But you never know how a Pokémon battle is going to end because there're so many factors at play."

Upon reaching the top of the pillar, the young man from Pallet Town called out to Rayquaza and he appeared to greet him. Go and Chloe were stunned to see Ash pet a Pokémon that had been considered a deity by many people of Hoenn in the past. Anabel, for her part, had a sparkle of admiration in her eyes when she saw that scene.

Steven Stone watched attentively as Ash's Pikachu and Sceptile fought against his friend Wallace's Milotic and Walrein.

"By Arceus, how have you become so strong in a few years?" Wallace asked with a smile after losing the Pokémon battle.

"Didn't he beat you two years ago?" Steven joked.

"That was with Zinnia's help," Ash explained immediately. "Plus I'm sure she didn't use all his strength that time."

"Perhaps, but my current defeat has been totally fair." was all Wallace said.

"I'm looking forward to you and me facing each other, Ash," Steven said. "My target is Leon but I'm not going to underestimate you."

"I will be the one who defeats Leon." Ash said very determined. Steven and Wallace watched with some joy as the young man they met five years ago had come so far in his career as a Pokémon trainer.

Go and Chloe were no longer surprised that Ash spoke on equal terms with other champions.

"By the way, I heard that you have met my niece Lisia." Wallace said to Chloe.

"T-that's right, sir."

"Please don't call me sir, it makes me feel old," Wallace complained. "If you're interested in Pokémon contests, you can ask me whenever you want."

"I'm not sure contests are my thing…" Chloe muttered.

ORRE

A burly man and a green-haired boy were attentively watching the video they had obtained after talking to many people, filling out numerous papers and asking for many, many permissions.

"Let's see if we can finally clarify something." Duking, the new police chief, muttered in a tired voice.

"The video is a week old, however no one opened an investigation." Cail, his assistant, said angrily.

"This region has suffered from corruption since before its founding," Duking commented. "Five years ago you yourself were known as the rogue Cail."

"Tch, don't remind me... At least now they know me as the gatekeeper of Pyrite."

"Even so, we have been eliminating said corruption for years. That this has happened means that Neo Team Cipher has even more influence than Team Cipher.

In the video you could see how a small man completely covered by a black cape advanced between the guards in a flying chair to a cell. None of the guards made any effort to stop him.

Evice, the infamous former leader of Team Cipher, was locked up in said cell. The criminal organization that devastated the region five years ago. At first both the man and Evice spoke in whispers but soon the conversation became heated and the shouting began.

"Who the hell do you think I'm?!" Evice roared furiously.

His kind and well-groomed appearance was completely transformed. His hair, mustache and eyebrows became pointed. His belly became more prominent and his eyes opened wide, showing a completely black color with red pupils. A macabre smile gave the final touch to that dark form of his.

"As soon as I get out of here I'll tear you to pieces!" Evice shouted as he tightly gripped the bars of his cell.

"Are you finally showing your true face?" asked the man, who didn't seem at all frightened by this radical change in appearance. "A form obtained after using the energy of the shadow Pokémon in your own body. Another proof that I was wrong to leave you in charge of Team Cipher, poor fool."

The man pulled out a knife and stabbed it quickly and several times into Evice's huge belly. Blood filled his throat and came out of his mouth and nose.

"D-damn...you..." he whispered before falling to the ground.

"Hu… I hope you survive the punishment, I want you to see how a region is conquered."

ooOoo

"Ash? Hello, I am Anabel and I speak to you on behalf of the International Police. I'm sorry to do this but we need your help. We have received a call from the Orre region. It seems that Team Cipher has returned and the local police are exclusively asking for your help." ―Message from Anabel, agent of the International Police.

ooOoo

Ash called Yellow and the two went to the Orre region. There they collaborated with the police but they didn't see their friends Leo and Rui anywhere.

"Leo? Rui?" A red-haired boy named Michael asked. "They were the ones who helped you save the region in the past, right?"

"Actually we were the ones who helped them." Yellow explained.

"Do you know where they're? No one knows anything, not even Team Snagem," Ash said worriedly. "It's as if they have disappeared from the face of the planet!"

"I only know them from the stories my mother told me." said Michael.

"The Dark Incident of five years ago was covered up by the press, governments and the International Police. Neither Leo nor Rui were recognized as heroes," said Lily, Michael's mother, displeased. "They even forced those of us who knew about what happened to remain silent. Although it wasn't all bad, now Team Snagem helps keep order in the region and people treat their Pokémon better. Crimes have decreased and they're thinking about creating tourist areas to attract foreign clientele. Right now Neo Team Cipher is the only thing standing in the way of the bright future of this region."

ooOoo

Ash and Yellow had help from Michael, who had a Aura reader with which he could see the dark aura of the shadow Pokémon. A very useful gift from professor Krane.

"Wow… Science really is incredible." Ash said surprised.

"But you and I can see the aura perfectly without needing that, so we are also incredible." Yellow said laughing.

"I also want to fight evil!" said Jovi, Michael's little sister.

"No way, you're too small for that." His brother scolded him.

"I should have told you the same thing five years ago." Ash commented to Yellow.

"It wouldn't have been any use and you know it."

Ash, Michael, and Yellow quickly traveled through the region, taking on Neo Team Cipher whose members were Master Greevil, his assistants/sons Eldes and Ardos, and administrators Lovrina, Snattle, and Gorigan. Their goal was to create a large number of shadow Pokémon and get rich by controlling the region.

Greevil had planned everything from bribes to blackmail, going much more secretly than Evice. Having in his possession a powerful shadow lugia, which had a different appearance because it was the masterpiece of Cipher's science. However, Ash and his friends destroyed all of his businesses and purified the dark lugia.

Lily had created a machine that purified Pokémon quickly and it was better and faster than taking them to the Relic Stone of Agate Village.

After putting an end to Greevil's plans, Ash and Yellow left the region but not before asking the police to please look better for Leo and Rui. Not only that, but Ash threatened to use his influence as champion if they didn't reveal to the world what happened five years ago with Team Cipher and what happened recently with Neo Team Cipher.

GALAR

Circhester Town: Buildings from an age long gone still stand about the steaming hot spring that covers the town

Delia Ketchum had been visiting hot springs in different regions for some time. Taking advantage of the fact that her son was in Galar, she invited him to the most famous hot springs in the region.

There they became involved in a dispute between the city's two gym leaders. Gordie and Melony, who were mother and son. According to residents, the city had been divided between both leaders for years due to their family disputes. But since they were both so strong and competent with their jobs, the Galar Pokémon Association did nothing about it.

Melony believed that Gordie placed too much importance on his life as a celebrity instead of being more responsible as a gym leader. Gordie believed that his mother was a bore who didn't let him breathe or grow as a person or trainer, reaching the point of being the president of his fan club.

Melony became friends with Ash by reminding her of her own son when he was his age. Delia, for her part, empathized with Gordie's situation, since she experienced something similar with her own mother.

At the restaurant Bob's Your Uncle, the four of them met and a fight almost broke out right there.

"Let's solve this at the stadium." Melony said very seriously.

"Finally something we agree on." Gordie said just as seriously.

Along the way Ash and Delia talked to them, trying to get them to at least talk to each other about their problems and not spend the whole day arguing.

ooOoo

Circhester Stadium

"I'm going to use this match to show the crowd that my Pokémon are unbeatable!" ―Gordie, The hard-rock crusher!

"Excuse my son, he can be a little abrupt. Ash, let's show him what a real tough battle is." ―Melony, The ice-cold professional!

Ash and Melony vs Delia and Gordie. Gengar and Gigamax Lapras vs Mr. Mime and Gigamax Coalossal.

The hard training Ash had given his mother's Mr. Mime was very good. Thanks to that, the fight was tough and ended surprisingly in a draw. Even so, Gordie and Melony's relationship seemed to have improved even if just a little. At least they didn't argue every minute, just every hour.

As thanks for what they had done, they gave Ash and Delia the Rock and Ice badge.

ooOoo

The next official match of the tournament was between Ash and Victor in the same Circhester stadium. Dragonite vs Urshifu single strike style.

"Gloria was right, you're very strong." Victor said after losing and shaking Ash's hand.

"You're strong too," Ash said. "No wonder you came second in the Galar League."

"Ugh, don't remind me. If it wasn't for the world tournament, I would be trying to win the league again. Well, at least I can try to beat Gloria in this tournament."

SINNOH

Hearthome City

While Ash faced Fantina in a Pikachu vs Mismagius, Dawn and Chloe went to a Pokémon contest where the former participated and showed a very elegant and beautiful performance.

"So, you're not interested in Pokémon contests?" Dawn asked after winning the contest. Chloe shook her head even though she was smiling.

"Even so, I think I have become a fan of contests. I really like seeing them, especially when coordinators as good as you participate." Chloe confessed.

"Thank you," Dawn said, blushing a little at her praise. "Come on, I'm sure Ash has already beaten Fantina."

"I hope Go is with him, I don't feel like looking for him in some lost forest." "Chloe said.

"It seems we have friends who can't sit still for a second."

"Ha, ha, yeah…"

ooOoo

Ash and his friends investigated Cresselia and Darkrai with the help of Roark and Byron, who seemed to get along much better than they did four years ago.

Another day Crasher Wake called them because he had seen a pod of Manaphy and Phione swimming near Pastoria City. Ash and his friends took the opportunity to go to the beach and swim with the Pokémon.

And the group's luck only increased as Gardenia called them later telling them that a group of shaymin were lost at the bottom of the Eterna Forest and the leader wanted to help them.

Jubilife City

Ash vs Lucian.

Torterra, Starraptor and Infernape vs Bronzong, Slowbro and Gallade.

"Tch, if I can't beat you, let alone Cynthia," Lucian laughed after losing the fight. "Who was going to tell me that the boy who barely made it to the semi-finals of the 2018 Sinnoh league was going to become a champion."

"I can't stay behind if I want to become a Pokémon Master."

"I see. I don't know the meaning of that but I can see that it's a high goal to achieve. I wish you luck."

Puntaneva City

With Maylene and Candice they investigated Heatran. They later had to help when they saw a shiny Regigigas being chased by Pokémon hunters. Ash, Go, Dawn and Chloe stopped them but the Regigigas was still angry and nervous. Luckily, Aaron and Bertha from the Elite Four showed up, helping our heroes calm down the legendary.

"I thought that after Hunter J's death the rest of the hunters would stop going after legendary Pokémon." Aaron commented.

"Never underestimate human stupidity," Bertha warned him. "There'll always be people who never learn from history."

Sandgem Village

Ash and Dawn went to visit Lucas and professor Rowan. There Lucas showed them the new and improved Pal park, which they now called Hansa park.

"Here the strongest Pokémon trainers will be able to face Pokémon of the highest level in dangerous places."

"Who would want to do that?" Chloe asked worried.

"People like Ash." Go said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Exactly!" Lucas said while he ate a slowpoke tail sandwich. "But only those who have won a regional league will be able to enter here, apart from Top trainers, the Elite Four or the champion."

"When I have time I'll stop by here." Ash promised.

The next day Ash, Dawn and Lucas visited the three great lakes, going on professor Rowan's private plane, to show Go and Chloe the legendary Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf. Along the way they told them about their adventures from four years ago.

"Give love advice to Lucas." Dawn asked Ash during the trip.

"Love advice, me?"

"Well, you've traveled a lot so you've probably had a couple of girlfriends."

"No, none." Ash said.

"That's great, I mean, wow," said Dawn, quickly hiding her happiness. "You see, Lucas is going on a date with Cynthia and he's very nervous."

"With Cynthia?!/Pika, pikachu pii?!" Neither Ash nor Pikachu could believe what they had just heard.

"Have you managed to seduce the famous champion who rejects twenty people per month?!" Chloe exclaimed astonished.

Go and Ash looked at her confused.

"T-that's what it says in the magazines…" she murmured embarrassed.

"Don't believe everything they say in the magazines," Go asked. "They always say a lot of nonsense, like there was a guy who saw a mew under a truck or something like that."

"But Chloe is right, Cynthia rejects twenty people per month. Most of them are famous trainers, businessmen or very rich people." Dawn confirmed to a surprised Go.

"And why hasn't she rejected you then?" Go asked Lucas, who was peeling a carrot.

"I don't know, but I'm so nervous that I've had to reduce my ten meals a day to seven." Lucas said sadly after taking a bite of the carrot.

"Well, I hope you can eat like before again," Ash said.

"Thanks my friend."

"I'm sure it's your cooking and your good heart that Cynthia liked." Dawn assured him, finally getting Lucas to smile.

ooOoo

In Sunyshore City, Ash confronted Volkner. Pikachu, Torterra and Garchomp vs Luxray, Fan Rotom and Electivire. After an intense fight, Ash defeated a surprised Volkner.

"Flint told me you became champion last year," Volkner said. "Now I see that it wasn't a joke. I'm afraid that if I don't train more I won't get very far in this year's tournament."

"There's still a lot left but I plan to win no matter what happens." Ash assured him.

"I hope Flint doesn't find out about my defeat..." Volkner complained, because he knew how annoying his friend could become.

Curiously, Ash's next fight was against Flint of the Elite Four. Floatzel, Gliscor and Garchomp vs Lopunny, Magmortar and Infernape.

"I can't believe that in four years you haven't only surpassed me but also managed to go further than me." Flint commented after losing the fight.

"Being able to fight against people of your level is a dream that I am glad to have fulfilled."

"And that's all you want?"

"Not at all! I'm not going to stop until I reach the top and then I'll be a Pokémon Master."

"I don't know what's that last thing, but good luck!" Flint laughed.

Spear Pillar

Rico, Rinzo, Dolan and Nito among others... They were all famous Pokémon hunters who had gone to the Spear Pillar carrying a strange object called Azure Flute. According to Looker of the International Police, it had been stolen from Cyrus.

According to the leader of Team Galactic, that flute was an object that had been in his family for decades or even centuries. It was supposedly used to summon Arceus but it had never worked and the tests that scientists did with it didn't reveal useful data either.

Even so, the Pokémon hunters tried to use it on the Spear Pillar, but all they managed to do was form temporary distortions that lasted minutes. During those few minutes the Alpha Palkia and Dialga could be seen over the Sinnoh sky.

Ash, Dawn, Lucas, Go, and Chloe, with the help of Top trainers Cheryl, Mira, Riley, Buck, and Marley, stopped the hunters and recovered the flute. Although before leaving the place everyone watched with amazement or horror as the entrance to the Distortion World opened briefly and the red eyes of Alpha Giratina could be seen...

"It's better that you keep the flute, champion Cynthia," Looker said once the problem was solved.

"Is it a decision that the government has made?" Cynthia asked as she observed the object with great curiosity.

"It was I who suggested it, because I believe that in your hands it will be much more protected."

"You say that because you don't trust Team Galactic, right?" Ash said.

"Exactly! They haven't caused problems for years, but it's better not to leave such a temptation in their hands," Looker confessed.

"I agree, the objects of power should not be in the hands of people who until recently sought universal genocide." Cinta commented after putting away the flute.

"Hopefully one day I'll see them all behind bars, like these Pokémon hunters."

"Does that include your girlfriend Jupiter?" Dawn asked with a mischievous smile. Looker ignored her although everyone could see his blushing face.

"And what these hunters wanted to do after using the flute? Capture God?" laughed the policeman. "Surely there weren't so many crazy people in the past! The world is getting crazier!"

ooOoo

"Ash, I need your help…Go quickly to the Sinjoh Ruins, far north of Johto, before it's too late…Come alone, please…" ―Arceus.

It all started on any given day. Numerous space-time distortions formed in Sinnoh, causing unexpected effects. For example, Pokémon began to devolve and people from other times began to come out of portals.

Ash watched in horror as Pikachu turned into a Pichu when he suddenly remembered a dream he had the day before. Promising his friends that he would fix everything, he traveled with the champion Cynthia to the Sinjoh ruins.

Sinjoh Ruins

"Cyrus's actions on Mount Coronet, the use of the Azure Flute, and the journeys that Team Rainbow Rocket are taking... All of this has caused the space-time around Sinnoh to be altered." Arceus explained.

"And what can we do to fix it?" Ash asked worriedly. He didn't understand much about the subject but he knew that things would get worse if they stayed still.

"If that were the only problem I would correct it right away, but there is someone in the past taking advantage of all this to cause even more problems. Someone who seeks to challenge me..."

"And why don't you fight with that person?"

Arceus looked at him as if he had said a very stupid idea.

"I would win, I always win even though some like Alpha Necrozma want to believe they can make me sweat. That's why I don't waste time fighting... and even if that person defeated me, I'm just an avatar."

"What?"

"What you see is only the physical form that I acquire when I want to communicate with the beings of this dimension. My true form is everything and nothing at the same time so it would be impossible for you to understand me."

"…"

"I'm going to send you to the past to help stop that person. Surely you'll forget certain things in your life, but don't worry, you will recover them when you return to your time. I won't give you any more details as you'll forget them."

"At least tell me the name of the person I have to stop or how to do it!"

"No need. With your luck you'll end up getting in his way whether you like it or not. Even so, I'll give you the Arc Phone, with which we can communicate when I decide."

HISUI

Villa Jubilife

Ash was found passed out on a beach by professor Laventon. Ash's memories were hazy and he didn't remember what he was supposed to do there. So he accepted professor Laventon's offer and became part of the new Hisui community.

There, to earn a living while solving the mystery of his arrival at that time, he joined Galaxy Expedition Team. The name sounded familiar to him and he associated it with something bad but he didn't know why. In the end he got used to it and became the best member of the team.

Cyllene, captain of the Galaxy Team, gave him a residence, several Poké Balls (old but very well made), and a map of Hisui.

ooOoo

Wallflower

"Tell us more about the future." Akari asked him one day. Ash and Pichu were eating Beni's delicious food with his new friends.

"I still can't believe you come from the future." Rei commented.

"Well, I have seen very strange things so I believe it." Alec said.

"Seeing a zorua of another color is not the same." Rei said.

Akari and Rei were boyfriends and members of the Galaxy Team who almost always accompanied Ash on his missions, while Alec was professor Laventon's new assistant.

"In the future we call Pokémon of another color shiny Pokémon," Ash said excitedly. "At first they were very difficult to find but now there are many techniques and ways to get them. For example, I have a shiny noctowl."

And so every day Ash told them everything he remembered, leaving them surprised by how different his time was. What caught their attention the most was that humans and Pokémon lived together without problems and that the foundations of society were Pokémon battles.

The townspeople still distrusted Ash but little by little he and Pichu gained everyone's sympathy and trust.

"Improving the lives of people and Pokémon through extensive research, that is our mission." ―Galaxy Team.

"The time we have and living in the present are the most important thing." ―Diamond Clan.

"The space we inhabit and sharing it with others is the most important thing." ―Pearl Clan.

ooOoo

The three great powers that dominated the region were the Galaxy Team, the Pearl Clan, and the Diamond Clan.

The Galaxy Team consisted of leader Kamado and his six captains: Cyllene from the Survey Corps. Zisu from the Security Corps. Pesselle of the Medical Corps. Colza of the Agriculture Corps. Sanqua from the construction Corps and Tao Hua from the Supply Corps.

The Diamond clan worshiped a god called the Almighty Sinnoh and believed that he manipulated and dominated time. It was led by Adaman and the wardens Mai, Arezu, Iscan, Melli, and Sabi.

The Pearl clan worshiped a god called the Almighty Sinnoh and believed that he manipulated and dominated space. They were led by the young Irida and the wardens Lian, Calaba, Palina, Gaeric... and Ingo?!

"You really don't remember your brother or how much you liked Battle Subway?" Ash asked him very worried. Ingo looked at him confused, as if he had a hard time remembering those things.

"I know I've seen you before, but my memories... All I know is that I spent a lot of time in that... portal?"

After a while, Ash gave up, but promised Ingo to return him home when the adventure was over.

The three great powers of Hisui had a rather fragile alliance but necessary to maintain peace. Ash, Akari, and Rei traveled throughout the region, solving problems and helping clans with Noble Pokémon.

These Pokémon were revered by the inhabitants of Hisui because they had received a blessing from Almighty Sinnoh. They possessed power well above average compared to others of their species. However, the space-time problems were affecting and angering them, making them a danger to humans and Pokémon alike.

Ash and his friends used Mysterious Balm and fought them to calm them down. Thanks to this they managed to earn the respect of the wardens of both clans.

During the adventure, some Ride Pokémon guarded by the clans became part of Ash's team to help him save the region. This fact surprised the wardens, angering some of them, but they ended up accepting the will of the stately Pokémon.

"What a Pokémon team you've made, Ash." Volo, a famous and charismatic merchant from the Ginkgo Guild, told him one day.

"Yes, everyone has a big heart, right Pikachu?" said Ash looking around happily.

"Pika, pii!" Pikachu said while he ate next to his new teammates: Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler and Braviary Hisui. They were all his friends, they helped him navigate the most dangerous places and defeat the fiercest Pokémon.

"Big heart? I don't know many people who care about Pokémon beyond their fighting strength." Volo commented interested. "Are they all like you in the future?"

"…No, but there're many people who simply enjoy living next to Pokémon."

"…How interesting."

"Prepare for troubles... And make it Triple... Hell Yeah! To rob everyone who gets in our way. To capture the Pokémon of each town. To put an end to the good-natured. To extend our influence beyond the region. Charm! Clover! Coin! We'll destroy Galaxy Team. We'll drive the Pearl Clan from their home. We'll create a horrible future for the Diamond Clan. We're the Bandits Miss Fortunes!" ―Charm, Clover and Coin, Miss Fortunes.

"Charm, the Galaxy Team deserter. Clover, the deserter of the Diamond clan. And Coin, the Pearl clan deserter. These three women are dangerous thieves," Captain Cyllene informed him very seriously one day. I know you are very capable of defending yourself but still be careful."

"Yes, ma'am!/Pika, piii!" said Ash and Pikachu.

The captain's warning came in handy because during his adventures he met the three criminals many times. His last confrontation was the hardest as the women were furious and fed up with Ash getting in their way.

Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Sneasler and Braviary Hisui vs Rhydon, Gengar, Abomasnow and Toxicroak.

"I lost? But Toxicroak never fails me! How did you do it? I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!" Coin exclaimed through tears.

"Grrr! Have I lost again? I bet the people in the Galaxy Team actually treat you like you're worth something..." Clover said.

"Krgh! Quite formidable, aren't you?" Charm admitted. "But this was only a test. Now I know more about how you fight, and I won't hold back next time."

The three quickly fled while Akari and Rei congratulated Ash.

"What a beating you've given them." Akari said.

"It's always nice to see those three running away with their tails between their legs." Rei laughed.

"Interesting, right?" commented Volo, who had seen the combat. "These three are an example that the ideas of a group are not always correct for each individual."

"Still stealing and doing evil are wrong." Ash said very convinced. "I understand that they don't want to follow all the rules but there's no need for them to hurt others or themselves."

"You're very different from the people of this region. Kamado is very stubborn and believes that progress is everything, even if you have to leave behind those who disagree," Volo explained, earning a spiteful look from Akari and Rei.

"Should he do like the Pearl clan and let any idea be considered no matter how bad it is?" Akari asked.

"Or like the Diamond clan, who only like to live in the moment and close themselves off from anything else?" Rei asked.

Volo laughed and raised his hands in a sign of peace.

"I know you admire the old man a lot, but what happens if one day his ideas force you to make decisions that you don't like? Nobody is perfect and to change the world you have to make sacrifices. That's why the number of renegades will increase whether you want it or not. Miss Fortunes are already greatly admired by people who don't want to be part of the three great powers of Hisui. Mark my words, this's only the beginning."

The time-space fissure had grown larger. The number of distortions increased every day and in very random ways throughout Hisui. The fury of the Noble Pokémon was growing and there was a heavy and cruel atmosphere in the air.

It didn't matter that he had saved the lives of people and Pokémon. It didn't matter that he had risked his life hundreds of times. It didn't matter all the missions he had accomplished. General Kamado expelled Ash from Jubilife Villa, as he believed that he was to blame for everything that happened in Hiusi.

"Confess once and for all what your evil intentions are!" Kamado said furiously.

"I have nothing to confess, I am innocent!" Ash said equally angry.

"Pikachu, pika!" Pikachu tried to defend him.

"General, you can't do that!" Akari shouted.

"Ash is a hero, there is no way he is behind our problems." Rei assured him.

"You can't treat him like a criminal!" Alec said.

"Silence, the fact that you're considered a hero by the people of Hisui is the only thing that prevents me from arresting you right here and now!" Kamado roared.

"He has completely lost his mind." Adaman commented. Beside her Irida nodded.

"And the worst thing is that he isn't the only one." Irida said.

Captain Cyllene led Ash and Pikachu towards the base of the Obsidian Fieldlands. The walk was humiliating, both Ash and Pikachu felt the look of disappointment, disbelief and fear on the faces of the people who had welcomed them until recently.

"Don't die out here. It's an order," Cyllene asked. "The opinion that others have of you isn't something that concerns you nor can you control. The important thing is that you're true to yourself and act accordingly."

Shortly after, Akari and Rei left the Galaxy Team to accompany Ash on his new journey to discover who was behind everything.

"Are you seriously going to betray me for a stranger?" Kamado asked astonished.

"He's not a stranger, he's our friend." Akari said very seriously.

"And we're not going to let him suffer just because you've decided he's the enemy." Rei said without looking into her eyes.

"So be it, but if you leave through the town gate, don't think about returning."

ooOoo

Ancient Hidden Village

"The expanse from antiquity to eternity and the expanse to all sides, above, and below... Time traces the path we tread from the here and now into the future... While space yawns all-encompassingly, surrounding us in every direction." ―Cogita.

Ash and his friends met, thanks to Volo, Mrs. Cogita. She reminded the young man from Pallet Town too much of a blonde woman of his time, but he didn't know who.

She and Ash talked about the crack and how to fix the problem.

"The plane of our reality that extends from the present to the future is what we know as "time," " Cogita explained. "That same reality exists in a plane that expands in every unimaginable direction, what we call "space." United time and space make up the universe. Both clans apply this knowledge incorrectly…"

"In my time we already know that Dialga controls time and Palkia controls space," Ash informed everyone. "I believe those are the gods both clans worship. However, the religion that is practiced in the future is the one that worships Arceus, the Pokémon God."

"Arceus?" Volo murmured. For a moment his gaze became icy and his smile became devilish, but no one noticed except Cogita.

Before Ash and his friends left, Cogita challenged the young man from Pallet Town to a Pokémon battle, saying that he wanted to get to know him better. Everyone present was surprised to see that the mysterious woman had friends with four legendary Pokémon, which accepted her request to fight alongside her against Ash.

Pikachu, Ursaluna, Basculegion and Braviary Hisui vs Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus and Enamorus.

Ash narrowly won after a close final between Pikachu and Enamorus.

"How much courage and experience you have…" said Cogita with a loving smile. "It shows that you're able to bring out the potential of Pokémon despite being in a different time than yours. And you have also taught me a couple of things... Without a doubt the future must be wonderful if it has given rise to people like you."

Ash went to each of the great lakes to get the red chain. He had no problems because he remembered what the legendary Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf were like and what he should do to ask them for help.

In Lake Acuity Uxie empathized with Rei, in Lake Verity, Mesprit with Akari and in Lake Valor Azelf with Ash. Knowledge, emotion and Willpower… Ash had the feeling that he had experienced something similar years ago. The three of them had secret help from Irida and Adaman.

"Aren't you angry about how those in the village have treated you?" Rei asked Ash.

"Not at all, I understand that they're scared. Now the important thing is to save the world."

"Anyone else would be furious, and rightly so," Akari said. "You don't have to pretend for us."

"Exactly, if you want to vent, here we're." Rei said with a big smile.

"Thank you guys, but I'm fine, seriously..."

Pikachu didn't seem very convinced by his trainer's words.

That same night Ash cried lightly and vented to his friends. He was far from home in an unknown place and full of people who now hated him. Despite everything, Pikachu, Akari and Rei didn't leave his side and encouraged him as they watched the red night full of stars.

ooOoo

Dialga and Palkia contacted Ash through Adaman and Irida. Thanks to them, Ash and his friends were able to complete the red chain and go to the Spear Pillar.

There Ash and his friends were stopped by Kamado, who believed that Ash was going to do something evil and wasn't going to allow it.

Pikachu, Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler and Braviary Hisui vs Braviary Hisui, Probopass, Heracross, Clefable, Snorlax and Golem. While Ash defeated Kamado, Akari defeated Beni and Rei defeated Zisu.

Finally Kamado accepted that Ash was not a bad person and that he was the only one capable of saving them. Ash and his friends used the power of Dialga and Palkia and closed the time-space rift. Although the temple was destroyed in the process due to the energy released.

"You really are the chosen one, huh Ash?" said a sinister voice.

"Volo?" Akari said, surprised to see the merchant.

"What are you doing here?" Rei asked. Ash grabbed his two friends by the hands and pulled them behind him. They were going to ask him what was happening but Ash's serious and worried face kept them quiet.

"That aura you have... Who are you, Volo?" Asked Ash with a trembling tone of voice. He almost seemed afraid of that man.

Volo gave a small, sinister smile.

"I think it's time for me to reveal what my true purpose is. From the moment I became convinced that Arceus was real, I have not stopped thinking about how I could come to know such an entity. On the one hand, I sought out Giratina, the one who challenged Arceus, and had him open a space-time rift in the sky."

"You're the one behind everything?!" Ash, Akari and Rei said at the same time.

"I don't know why, but last year strange things started happening at the Spear Pillar. And after investigating I could see how space-time was distorting," Volo began to tell Ash, ignoring the rest of the people. "I manipulated you into gathering for me all the fragments of the ubiquitous deity that the murals in the ruins spoke of. It's said that there were eighteen plates that were formed from the fragments of the deity, but you only have seventeen. I have the last one..."

"You were the person Arceus warned me about. The one who must be stopped at all costs." Ash said somewhat angry.

"Wow, and you didn't remember something so important? Or maybe you didn't want to tell anyone?"

"…I just remembered."

"As I was saying... My ambition always had one goal: To meet Arceus himself. And no one has to stop me! If I can show myself to him, perhaps I can subdue him and thus create a better world. Of course, the creation of a new world will mean that the Hisui region will return to nothing in the blink of an eye. And the same will happen to you, to all the people and Pokémon you know... You will be forever erased from existence. The only way to avoid the annihilation of everything you know is to confront me. You don't have a choice anyway. Even if you refused, I would take the plates by force."

"It doesn't matter if it's the past or the future, there will always be crazy people like you that I must stop." Ash said, preparing for combat.

Pikachu, Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler and Braviary Hisui vs Spiritomb, Roserade, Togekiss, Arcanine Hisui, Lucario and Garchomp.

Volo was furious at having lost. Anger was the only emotion that was reflected in his dark gaze as a portal opened behind him and a huge shadow emerged from it.

"Why do you have to be the one who has Arceus's blessing?! Because?! How could this happen? I have dedicated my entire life to Arceus... I have revered him as the creator of the universe! I have studied the legends with relish until I know them like the back of my hand! Damn you all! Why did you have to fall from the fissure to thwart my plans?! But don't get your hopes up, because this isn't the end! I still have an ace up my sleeve. You feel it? That strange sensation that grips and freezes your heart... Giratina! Strike him down!"

The members of the Diamond and Pearl clan, the Noble Pokémon and the members of the Galaxy Team. All of them and their Pokémon came to Ash's aid just in time to save him from Giratina. They all fought as if there was no tomorrow. Even so, Giratina was too strong... When all seemed lost, a golden bolt of lightning fell from the sky and struck Ash's Pokémon, enveloping them in a powerful golden aura that gave them enough power to push Giratina back into the Distortion World.

"Giratina was much angrier than in our time, he didn't even seem aware of how much rage he had," Ash commented worriedly to Pikachu. "Luckily it seems that he will get over it..."

"Pika…"

"You have been incredible." Akari said relieved.

"Indeed, what a fight." Alec said impressed.

"If the battles of the future are the same as this one, I'm glad to live in the past." Rei laughed.

Everyone present congratulated Ash and laughed in relief at having survived the battle.

"What does this mean, Giratina?" Volo suddenly shouted angrily. "Turning tail and running? From this puny human? Pathetic! I was the one to feed you the power you needed so that you could take on Arceus! I was the one who gave you the chance to claw open that space-time rift, driving the deity of space and time mad so that you could drag the creator out from hiding! How? How could this happen?! Almighty Arceus, if you have any heart within you, then tell me... The blood of the ancient Sinnoh people flows in my veins, does it not?! What is it, then, that you find so lacking in me?! Do you mean to tell me that this world doesn't need to be remade? I can't live with such questions... I can't bear not satisfying this ache to know!"

"I always knew you weren't trustworthy. What a shame that your madness and way of seeing life has caused so much misfortune." Cogita said.

"I'm not going to let you run away after what you've put Ash and all of Hisui through." Cyllene said angrily.

Volo completely ignored them and the angry mob that was insulting him and demanding his head.

"Answer me, then, Ash. Do you have some dream that propels you, as I've had?"

"Being a Pokémon Master, that is something I will never forget!" Ash said very determined.

"So you do... Doubtless that dream of yours would never leave room for the dreams of one like me... I am the great wielder of Pokémon. And you... You battle alongside your Pokémon. In the end, I was alone... But not you. You will fight together with your Pokémon to seize whatever dreams you have." Then Volo took out an object from among his clothes. "Here. Take it... Take the plate that started me on this path—the plate I once received from Giratina."

After giving him the ghost board, the legendary Azure Flute appeared in Ash's hands.

"So that's...that's it... The Azure Flute. Heh. It comes to you. So Arceus wishes to meet you... Of all people, you had to be the one... Is that why you were brought to this world? Gah! I've no desire to watch from the sidelines as Arceus comes to you! Someday, I'll solve every riddle in the legends of Hisui's Pokémon. And on that day, I'll stand before Arceus at last… No, I will conquer it! No matter how many years, how many decades, how many centuries it takes me!"

"Do not even dream about it." Cyllene said trying to arrest him, but Volo threw several smoke bombs and quickly escaped from there.

Ash had spent a year in Hisui and it already felt like a new home, but he had to return to his true home. Using the Azure Flute he summoned Arceus, who congratulated him for saving the world again. Ash asked him to please return Ingo to his home with his memories. Arceus accepted and even said that Ash's new Pokémon could also go with him to the present. Arceus would take care of any paradox that occurred. In addition, the Diamond and Pearl clans had already prepared successors to replace Ash's Pokémon.

-Akari: *Sniff* I plan to become an even better researcher than you, you'll see. I will discover all the mysteries of the region and save them for future generations. I'm not going to waste anything you've taught me. See you, Ash!

-Rei: I'm going to miss you a lot. The things that I have learned from you, I will try to transmit to my descendants at all costs. I'm sure that no matter how much time passes, one of my descendants will meet you and thus the friendship that unites us will remain forever.

-Alec: The relationship between humans and Pokémon…You have changed many of the misconceptions we had about Pokémon and their behavior. I'm not going to forget you or your way of seeing the world.

-Cyllene: You're a very interesting boy with a big heart. You should be more careful since there are many people who will take advantage of your goodness and kindness... Although if you have come this far I guess you don't need my advice... Take good care of yourself, please. It's an order... Don't worry, I'll take care of the Azure Flute with my life.

-Professor Laventon: I would have liked to ask you more about the future, but I don't want to give Arceus more work, heh heh heh. It's enough for me to know that science will continue to advance humanity towards a better future and even towards distant places like the stars.

-Adaman: Your way of fighting and solving mystery after mystery... I wish we had someone like you in our clan. Yes, now we accept some foreigners although the elders still frown on us changing the clan laws so quickly. If you come back here, rest assured that this will be your home.

-Irida: Seeing someone who is almost my age face dangers that aren't of this world has inspired me. You have opened not only my eyes but those of the entire clan. We still don't know how but we want to be better and help improve Hisui. Thanks for everything.

-Rye: I know we don't know each other very well but Lucario and I are surprised by the strong aura you give off... That's why I would like to give you this Pokémon egg. He is my Lucario's son and I think he will be better in your hands.

YEAR 2022 - THE PRESENT

When Ash returned, only twelve seconds had passed in the present. Even so, Cynthia could see that the young man from Pallet Town had lived a lot in those twelve seconds.

After verifying that he had not aged at all, Ash spent the next few days telling Cynthia everything he had experienced in that "year." Cynthia, meanwhile, wrote all that and then studied Ash's new Pokémon with her grandmother and professor Rowan.

They deduced that they were Pokémon that still existed in the present but seeing them was very difficult because the current conditions were different from those of the past.

Ash talked to his friends and told them things like that he had met Dawn and Lucas's ancestors or that Team Galactic started as an organization dedicated to research.

Within a week almost all of Ash's Hisuian memories had disappeared. That's why some nights he read the diary that he wrote with Cynthia, to be able to remember the bond that united him to the past.

ooOoo

"I had heard rumors that you had rare Pokémon, I see that it is true." commented Paul, his rival from Sinnoh.

"What a coincidence that you're my next opponent in the tournament," said Ash, who had almost forgotten that he was in the middle of the Pokémon World Tournament. "I always get people I know."

"It's not a coincidence. The tournament organizers investigate us through our Rotom Phones or have information about us thanks to PokéNet," Paul explained. "That way they can know our level and pair us with people who can give us a fight or trainers who are close to our area."

"Oh really? How cool!" Ash said. Pikachu also seemed excited at the idea, while Paul let out a sigh.

"Wait, what about newbie trainers or trainers who aren't very strong?" Go asked confused. "Anyone can enter the tournament but sooner or later they'll have to fight with people who are much higher than them in level."

"They make those trainers fight stronger people from the beginning to show them that this isn't a game," Paul revealed. "That way, either they get discouraged and give up or they decide to get stronger, there is no in between."

After talking a little more, the fight began: Infernape, Dragonite, Ursaluna and Glalie vs Electivire, Gyarados, Garchomp and Metagross.

"What a fight," said Go, impressed. "It's the first time I've seen someone beat two of Ash's Pokémon."

"Still Ash has won." Chloe said pretending not to be worried. It's not that she was interested in Pokémon battles, but she now saw that it wasn't necessary to have the title of champion to make someone like Ash sweat.

"You won't be so lucky when we meet again." Paul said with a smile.

"I'm not going to lose, I assure you that." Ash said with the same smile.

ooOoo

Before leaving Sinnoh, Go met a woman who would exchange her medicham for a haunter.

"Great, it will evolve into a gengar when the exchange is over." Go said excitedly, without noticing the evil smile on the woman's face. In the end the haunter did not evolve and the confused Go discovered that it was because he had an eternal stone.

GALAR

Ballonlea: A charming town where the people make their homes among the trunks of the towering trees

In that place where the only light came from the mushrooms, Ash and Go met up with Bede, who was dressed in a pastel blue and pink uniform.

"What are you doing here?" Ash asked cautiously.

"Have you come to destroy more of humanity's heritage?" Go said angrily.

"The twerps! Bah, I can't waste my time with you!" Bede said, taking out a Poké Ball.

Ash and Go did the same while Chloe watched all of this in fear. However, they were all stopped by a smiling and charismatic old woman named Opal.

"Bede, shouldn't you be washing my Pokémon? It's bath time!" the woman scolded him without losing her smile.

"Yes, ma'am, I'm sorry ma'am!" Bede apologized quickly as she put the Poké Ball away and ran out of there.

Opal laughed and invited our heroes to a snack with tea. During the tea-time she explained to them that Bede was his apprentice and as punishment for what he did in Stow-on-Side Town, he had spent the next few weeks cleaning, bathing and feeding all the Pokémon in the gym.

"For some reason he seems happy..." Chloe commented when she saw Bede's look, which was less aggressive. And from the way the fairy-type Pokémon behaved around him, anyone would have thought that Bede was a saint.

Later and with Bede's help, because Opal had asked her to, Chloe managed to capture a Galarian ponyta. That way Chloe got her third Pokémon along with Eevee and Yamper.

ooOoo

Ballonlea Stadium

"At this point I wasn't planning on returning to combat, but I wasn't going to waste the opportunity to fight the first champion of Alola." ―Opal, the master of a fantastic theater!

Pikachu, Riolu and Gengar Gigamax vs Weezing Galar, Togekiss and Alcremie Gigamax.

Ash's newborn riolu tried very hard but still couldn't beat any Pokémon. Ash just wanted him to gain experience, so as soon as he saw that he was going to be defeated he made him return to his side to watch the fight.

"Congratulations. It's nice to see young people with so much talent show off in a place like this... I didn't expect anything less from you, champion," Opal said, shaking his hand after losing the fight.

"You're very strong, in any other region you would be in the Elite Four or champion."

"Hee hee hee, that can be said about anyone in this region, young man. By the way, I heard that the other leaders gave you badges even though it wasn't necessary.

"It's true."

"Well, I'm not going to be left behind at this party, that's for sure." Opal said, giving him the Fairy badge.

Before leaving, Chloe thanked Opal for her advice on how to raise fairy-type Pokémon and the trio of friends left to continue researching rare and/or legendary Pokémon.

Motostoke

Their next match was at Motostoke Stadium but a pack of Yell grunts stopped Ash. Go and Chloe were waiting inside the stadium, very worried because Ash was late.

"Let me pass! I can't waste my time with you!" Ash shouted angrily.

"Force us!/Lin!" Henry, Casey and Linoone Galar said.

Using Dragonite and Sirfetch'd he defeated all the members of Team Yell, even so his two Pokémon were completely exhausted.

"Yes, that's how it's done!" Henry shouted, excited with his "feat."

"Now you won't be able to use those strong Pokémon with our dear Marnie." Case said euphorically.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Marnie shouted, who had appeared there suspecting something.

"Great Marnie!"

"The great Marnie has come!"

"Marnie has graced us with her presence!"

"We love you Marnie!"

"Silence!" Marnie shouted, interrupting the spirits of her fans, who fell silent when they saw how furious the girl was. "Last year you only gave problems to the other challengers in the league, and now you are doing the same in the world tournament?"

"W-we just wanted to help you…" Henry complained.

"Yes, we did it for you…" Casey said.

Marnie gave a heavy sigh as she closed her eyes.

"All you're doing is making a fool of me. People are going to think that I¡m incapable of going far on my own and I need my fans to sabotage the tournaments I participate in."

A dead silence formed in the place. Even people passing by stood awkwardly in the middle of the street. At that moment Marnie looked at Ash and Pikachu.

"I'm sorry for the problems caused by Team Yell… Please forgive them, they aren't bad people." Marnie said with a bow of her head. "They're just so caught up with wantin' to support me and all that they tend to get a bit shirty with other challengers. Sorry if they caused you any trouble."

"Don't worry, it's okay, I'm used to this type of problems," Ash laughed, not giving it any importance. "Plus, I like seeing how much they love you, even though they could be a little less annoying."

"But because of me you won't be able to use two of your Pokémon."

"Our fight is four against four so there's no problem."

Marnie looked at him a little confused, because the normal thing would be to be very angry or pretend and get out of there.

"Guys, apologize to him right now." Marnie ordered them. Team Yell apologized but it was clear that they were not sorry. Meanwhile, Marnie's morpeko played with Pikachu, both ignoring the drama that occurred.

ooOoo

Motostoke Stadium

"Don't take it personal when I kick your butt!" ―Marnie, the pride of Spikemuth town.

Gigamax Pikachu, Riolu, Dracovish and Gengar vs Gigamax Morpeko, Scrafty, Obstagoon and Gigamax Grimmsnarl.

"I think I understand why Morpeko is so interested in you," said Marnie with a beautiful smile on her face as she shook Ash's hand, "but let me make one thing clear: I'll take revenge another day. That you will not forget!

"Well, I'm not going to be left behind and I'm going to give everything to make both Pallet Town and Alola happy." Ash said with a smile.

"Have you seen?! Beautiful Marnie is smiling at that guy!" Henry roared angrily.

"With him there are already six people who enjoy her dazzling smile!" Casey complained.

"Despite everything, I would like to make it up to you… I know a very good restaurant nearby. Do you wanna go?" Marnie asked.

"Ok!"

Ignoring the hateful looks that those from Team Yell were giving him, Ash went with Marnie to said restaurant. There they shared anecdotes and combat techniques while their Pokémon played outside.

UNOVA

Aspertia City: A city that reaches for the sky

Ash, Go, and Chloe traveled to Unova to investigate the legendaries of the region. According to Ash, several of his friends there had legendary Pokémon so the research would be easier.

"I still can't believe you had a reshiram and then a zekrom," Go commented. "You seem like a legend magnet if everything you tell us about your adventures is true."

"They are true! Why would I lie?"

"Right, if there is someone who isn't going to lie to us about Pokémon, it's Ash. Chloe said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"And where is the zekrom with which you defeated Team Plasma and Neo Team Plasma?"

"I don't know, they disappeared after the battle and only N knows where they went..." Ash said in a thoughtful tone. "I wonder where N is now..."

"We're all wondering that," said the voice of a boy his age who approached them quickly. Next to him was a cheerful blonde girl. "Hi Ash."

"Hello Cheren! Do you still wear contact lenses?" Asked Ash when he saw one of his Unova rivals.

"He's so handsome, right?!" Bianca said. "Although now I'm the one wearing glasses, heh heh heh."

"That's because Professor Juniper makes you work too hard," Cheren complained. "As a gym leader I may be able to tell her to give you more breaks."

"Of course, Mr. Gym Leader," Bianca laughed as she grabbed her boyfriend's arm. "Cheren doesn't miss the opportunity to show off his new position."

"No wonder, it's not easy to get this far." Ash said.

"Look who's talking, champion of Alola," Cheren said with a smile. "In less than a blink of eye, you have become a celebrity on the level of Alder."

Cheren later showed them the Trainer school, where he taught when he wasn't doing gym matches. Shortly after, Ash and Cheren's Rotom Phones rang at the same time.

ooOoo

Aspertia Gym

Gigalith and Serperior vs Stoutland and Emboar.

"My goodness, what memories of when we traveled together throughout Unova participating in hundreds of tournaments." Bianca said wistfully after observing Cheren's defeat.

"You speak like an old woman." Go commented,

"Go!" Chloe scolded.

Bianca simply laughed without giving it any importance. Meanwhile Cheren congratulated Ash for winning. The next day Ash's Rotom Phone rang again. His new opponent was Alder.

Just outside the gym he met a fifteen-year-old boy accompanied by a girl and a liepard.

"Look at that, it's Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." said the liepard surprising everyone. "What's wrong, don't you remember me? Three years ago I was the purrloin who always went with Nate and Rosa. Arceus bless those two good-hearted fools."

"For me they can go to hell itself. Them and the entire Team Plasma." said the boy furious.

"Hugh, we've already talked about this..."

"No, they kidnapped you and made you work for Ghetsis, they don't deserve compassion!"

"Little brother…" said the girl worried.

"You saved the region from Team Plasma, right?" Hugh asked Ash as he tilted his head. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"Don't do it, I had help from many people." Ash laughed with some nervousness.

"That doesn't matter, you were the one who put their leader N in his place, right?"

Ash tried to explain that N and many other members of Team Plasma were victims of Ghetsis' deception. Hugh seemed to admire him so at least he listened to him, even if he didn't agree with many of the things Ash told him.

After chatting for a bit, Hugh, his sister and Liepard left, although Go was left wanting to investigate the talking Pokémon.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Floccesy Town: Prophecy Flocks Here

The champion Alder was meditating in the middle of a hill near Floccesy Town. Upon meeting Ash and his friends, he greeted them and guided them to the village to fight.

"If it weren't for my grandson Benga I wouldn't know how to use this thing." Alder laughed as he grabbed his Rotom Phone as if it were an alien object.

"I always wanted to face you but because of Team Plasma the league was interrupted." Ash said sadly.

"Well, even if you had won the league you wouldn't have beaten the Elite Four, not with the level you had back then," said Alder, who was glad to see that his words didn't anger or sadden the young man from Pallet Town.

The match was Emboar and Samurott vs Volcarona and Bouffalant, with Ash narrowly winning in the end. Alder took them to his house so that Ash and his friends could rest but inside Ash found a surprise...

"Nate from the Plasma Trio, Iron Tail Pikachu!" Ash ordered his Pokémon when he saw the member of Team Plasma who chased him throughout Unova.

"Pika!" Pikachu said, launching himself at the teenager.

"W-wait Ash, I'm not-, Keldeo sacred sword!" Nate shouted scared. Pikachu's iron tail collided with Keldeo's holy sword for a few seconds, creating a shockwave.

However Pikachu was stronger and Keldeo was thrown against the wall.

"A Keldeo? Has Team Plasma captured him for their evil plans?" Ash asked angrily.

"N-no, he chose me one day, I swear!" Nate said desperately.

"The boy tells the truth." Alder laughed, who stood between them both.

After calming the situation, everyone sat around a plate and Nate began to explain his new situation.

"Last year the organization split into Team Plasma, made up of followers of N, and Neo Team Plasma, made up of followers of Ghetsis. Thanks to you and the Pokémon Association, Neo Team Plasma no longer exists."

"But Ghetsis is still missing."

"No, we captured him and Zinzolin," Alder informed him. "Ghetsis no longer has the ability to do anything without help. He can't even form coherent sentences for more than a minute."

"…"

"I now work for the International Police." Nate revealed, trying to avoid the awkward silence that had formed.

"But you're younger than us." Go said without believing it.

"And? I was always good at spy work when I was part of Team Plasma, plus I was the youngest member of the organization. Although the only reason I joined the police is because I wanted a better life for Rosa, without lies or living in hiding... I want to be a boyfriend worthy of her."

"The other day we saw Purrloin, I mean, Liepard but not Rosa," Ash said. "I'm surprised you aren't together when you were a very close trio."

"Rosa is working on a Pokémon shelter with Team Plasma in Driftveil City. She also makes sure the other grunts don't repeat their old tricks," Nate said proudly. "As for Liepard…well, we still keep in touch although we do it when Hugh is not around…"

"He doesn't like you at all."

"Yeah, the region is full of groups that want to bleed Team Plasma but I try to prevent that from happening," said Alder. "The last thing we need is a war."

"The important thing now is that I dedicate myself to stopping the Plasma grunts who continue to cause problems in the region. I would like your cooperation while you are in Unova, Ash." Nate asked.

While Ash and Nate continued talking, Alder showed Chloe how he taught the town's children about Pokémon and nature. Go, for his part, was studying a confused Keldeo with enthusiasm.

ooOoo

Floccesy Ranch

Riolu detected something horrible happening nearby. After drawing Ash's attention, our heroes went to the ranch where they saw several men dressed in black trying to take several riolu in cages.

"Neo Team Plasma!" Ash shouted upon recognizing them.

"It's Ash Ketchum!"

"The damn brat who ruined our plans three years ago and last year."

"What are you doing here, are you never going to leave us alone?!"

"It's not enough for him to have left us like headless ekans."

Ash, Go and Chloe defeated the grunts and let the police take them into custody. The owners of the ranch thanked our heroes for their help.

"By the way, your riolu is very strong, I would say stronger than some lucario even." said the farmers.

"Yes, yes he's." Ash said proudly as he stroked the happy Pokémon's head.

Ash vs Marshal

Unfezant, Serperior, Seismitoad and Leavanny vs Mienshao, Troh, Sawk and Conkeldurr.

"No wonder my master Alder lost to you," Marshal said after bowing his head to Ash as a sign of respect after the defeat. "I always knew you would become very strong when you saved the region."

"And I'm not going to stop, I want to get stronger and stronger so I can fight any Pokémon trainer in the world."

"Hu, I will be supporting you just like my Master."

Virbank City: City of falling fog and rising stars!

Ash, Go and Chloe went to the Koffing and Toxics concert, the most famous rock band in the city, since the group's bassist guitar was Ash's next opponent.

"After the battle we can visit PokéWood." Chloe suggested excitedly. Go didn't want to but when he saw the happy face of her friend he accepted.

ooOoo

Virbank Gym

"Get ready! I'm gonna knock some sense outta ya and drag you into a brand new world!" ―Roxie, Poison days, poison on the stage!

Pikachu, Riolu, Leavanny and Seismitoad vs Koffing, Scolipede, Amoonguss and Garbodor. Roxie's strength was overwhelming and her tactics were very treacherous and dangerous.

"You didn't win... I lost! I was weak and made my Pokémon feel how much losing stinks! Watch out! Next time we meet, I'm going to give you a toxic shock!" Roxie said after the fight, "Take the Toxic badge, so you can boast that you have defeated me."

"That bragging thing isn't my thing anymore," Ash laughed, unable to hide how happy he was. "Although I admit that your level is Elite Four, those who challenge you for the gym badge must have a very difficult time."

"I always give them several advantages so they don't complain." Roxie laughed.

"Ash, we have to get tickets to PokéWood." Go warned him. Chloe seemed impatient too.

"Are you heading to Pokéwood?" Roxie asked curiously. "Oh it's true! My old man, I have to convince him to be captain again!"

Marnie ran off without warning in the direction of PokéWood.

PokéWood

"Hilbert, Hilda, long time no see!" Ash exclaimed when he saw his friends.

"Hello Ash, I already found out that you're the champion of Alola." Hilbert said happily.

"How's it going, Ash? Have you come to see how well I'm doing at PokéWood?" said Hilda just as happy. "I'm finally going to be able to direct my own movie."

"Are you Hilda, the famous and prodigious young producer?" Chloe asked very excitedly.

"Wow, a fan?"

"Super fan! I always watch the movies you work on."

Hilda and Hilbert took Ash, Go and Chloe through the most famous areas of PokéWood and even showed them how it worked. Our heroes were there for two days and saw many famous people, including Champion Diantha, Gym Leaders Sabrina and Brycen, Fiorello Cappucino, Cleavon Schpielbunk, and Brad Van Darn.

They even saw Luke and his zorua and the girl who was doing a show with Patrat. The two now worked at the company Hilda had created.

Ash enjoyed seeing what movies would be made, Chloe enjoyed being able to talk to her idols, and Go enjoyed studying Hilda's victini.

To everyone's surprise, Chloe had a meeting with a meloetta who also liked the atmosphere of PokéWood and in the end they ended up becoming friends. To the point that Meloetta joined Chloe's team.

"Yamper, Eevee, Ponyta Galar and now Meloetta…" Go began to say. "For someone who doesn't know what to do with their life, you're making a good team."

"…" Chloe didn't know what to say.

Just on the day they were going to leave, Hilbert's Rotom Phone rang, telling him that his opponent was Cilan. Ash wanted to accompany him to see his friend again.

Striaton City – Striaton Restaurant

"The restaurant is totally changed." Ash noticed as soon as he entered what was a Pokémon gym in the past. The fight against Hilbert was already over and Cilan had lost.

"We decided to renew it as a symbol of our rebirth." Cilan explained happily while serving food to Ash, Go and Chloe.

Burgundy was nearby serving other people while competing against Cilan to see who the better waiter was. Although from the smiles that both gave each other, you could see great affection and love.

"It's full, as it shows that your cooking is the best in Unova." Ash said.

"Your compliments will always be well received." Cilan said.

At that moment Ash remembered something important.

"Hey Cilan, were you friends with Ingo and Emmet?"

"Yes, why?"

"Do you know if they're still together?"

"How curious that you ask me," Cilan said surprised. "Just recently Ingo suffered some kind of accident when he went on vacation with Emmet to Sinnoh. Luckily now they're both fine and continue working at Battle Subway. Of course, Ingo's memory is still damaged by the accident... Do you know anything about it?"

Ash nodded.

"It's a very long story to tell. Sit down with us and I'll tell you everything, or at least what I remember. Thank goodness I always carry my Hisui diary with me."

After the meal Ash and his friends watched the restaurant show made by a girl and her Pansear, Panpour and Pansage. Apparently the girl was an apprentice to the Patrat girl.

Castelia City – Castelia Solar

Ash's next opponent in the tournament was Colress. However, he and his friends had to help the scientist get rid of the criminals who lived in the area.

"Why have they attacked you?" Ash asked worried.

"The Shadow Triad paid them to eliminate me," Colress explained without giving it much importance. "Now they take the reins of Neo Team Plasma but they aren't very good."

Then Ash and Colress had the tournament battle: Pikachu vs Metagross, with Pikachu winning.

"Your potential never stops increasing every time we see each other," Colress said very happily as he used his machines to observe Pikachu. "That a Pokémon considered low level is a champion's ace is worthy of praise. Really the only impossible thing is the impossible!"

"And why has someone like you signed up for the Pokémon World Tournament?" Go asked him.

"It's true, you don't seem like the type of person who enjoys Pokémon battles." Chloe observed.

"What better way to analyze the potential of Pokémon than by facing the strongest Pokémon in the world?" Colress answered with a smile. "By the way Ash, be careful, the Shadow Triad will probably try to kill you as a final revenge."

Route 4

Shortly after, Nate asked Ash and his friends to go to the new residential area. There they saw Neo Team Plasma advancing towards some nearby ruins to capture a thundurus. With the help of the gym leaders, Burgh and Elesa, they managed to save the Pokémon.

Driftveil City – Plasma Shelter

Ash's next opponent was Hugh. The boy was glaring at members of Team Plasma who were taking care of injured and/or mistreated Pokémon.

"I can't blame him for his anger," Rosa, of the former TPio told Ash. "We stole his sister's Purrloin and our scientists experimented on her..."

"But you and Nate didn't do any of that, plus you loved Purrloin very much."

"That doesn't mean we weren't on the bad side of history, Ash." Rosa said sadly as she petted a genesect. Apparently she had found it in an old Colress laboratory and the Pokémon had grown fond of her.

"True, you were the bad guys and not working for Ghetsis now isn't going to make all the pain you caused for years in Unova to go away," Hugh said very seriously. "I plan to watch you day and night and if I see a single suspicious move..."

"We know, you will eliminate us with your own hands." said the sage Rood.

He was the creator of the refuge along with the muses Anthea and Concordia. All the members of Team Plasma who were still loyal to N were in that city collaborating with the Aether Foundation of Alola. However, they received insults and threats every week to the point that Clay, with some reluctance, gave them police protection.

At first Hugh was part of the violent group that attacked Team Plasma but when he saw how things were getting out of control he dissolved the group.

After seeing how said shelter worked, Ash and Hugh had their Pokémon battle nearby, much to the displeasure of some members of Team Plasma.

Gigalith and Scrafty vs Flygon and Eelektross.

"So this is the strength of a champion?" Hugh murmured after losing.

ooOoo

PWT

Ash's next fight was in a very special place. The PWT had been created to be the place where the final confrontations of the Pokémon World Tournament would take place. Although it could also be used in combat between champions or members of the Elite Four. There Ash would face his friend Iris in front of a large audience.

"Ash, I'm not going to have mercy on you!" Iris said after giving him a big hug.

"We're not going to make it easy for you either!/Pika!" Ash and Pikachu said after returning the hug.

People murmured when they saw them hugging because not everyone knew about their past adventures.

"Let's give everyone a fight worthy of champions." Ash said.

Iris gave a small laugh.

"I play with an advantage since I'm at home."

The fight between Ash and Iris was Dragonite and Dracovish vs Dragonite and Haxorus. The public, despite being saddened by the defeat of their champion, applauded Ash's well-deserved victory.

"It's the first time I see you almost losing." Go said, wiping the sweat from his forehead due to the tension suffered during the fight.

"A romantic battle…" Chloe murmured. Luckily no one heard her.

"Next time I plan to beat you, Ash." Iris said after giving Ash another hug, which caused numerous rumors to spread on social networks.

"The tournament isn't over yet so I'm sure we'll have more chances to fight." Ash said.

Later Ash and Iris strolled through the Driftveil City Market together and then went to explore the famous Clay Tunnel. Many people saw and photographed them, sparking numerous rumors among the tabloid press.

Newspapers that Chloe read avidly at the Driftveil hotel.

"Misty, Umeko, May, Anabel, Dawn, Iris, Marnie… An octagon… no, a harem!"

"Will you stop yelling, I'm trying to study for school exams!" Go complained.

"I-I'm sorry!"

"After long discussions and much deliberation, the Pokémon World Association has decided that when the time has come, the final rounds of the Pokémon World Tournament will be held in the Galar region." ―Rose, president of the Galar Pokémon Association and the Macro cosmos company.

ooOoo

"Ash, it's my fault that the final rounds aren't in Unova..." Iris said when she received a call from Ash.

"But what are you saying?"

"Those at the top say that as long as the Shadow Triad is still loose, they cannot trust themselves to hold very important events, because there could be a terrorist attack like the one of Opelucid city last year."

"But they no longer have enough resources or grunts to do something very evil." Ash complained.

"That's why they're trying to capture legendary Pokémon," Iris explained. "Even so, we cannot trust ourselves and leave them free rein. As champion I should have captured them last year…"

"Isn't it enough for them to know that you defeated all three of them at the same time in the Plasma Frigate? Those politics are stupid if they don't see how amazing you are, Iris!"

The girl laughed lightly upon hearing his words.

"Thanks Ash, but I still think what they did is good. Galar, on the other hand, is a very safe place where nothing bad has ever happened and there are no criminal organizations, it's the perfect place."

"Don't worry, Iris, if I see those three guys I'll catch them." Ash promised.

"I won't tell you to be careful since you are very strong, but don't be a kid and do crazy things." Iris asked him.

Undella Town

Ash's next fight was against the sleepy Caitlin. Ash, Go and Chloe found her visiting the seaside town's aquatunnel.

Samurott, Emboar, Krookodile and Scrafty vs Gothitelle, Reuniclus, Sigilyph and Gallade.

The combat was intense and Ash realized why many considered her the strongest of Unova's Elite Four. And on top of that her psychic abilities put her even more in tune with her Pokémon. Still Ash managed to defeat her.

"Ever since I saw you defeat my Kokuran at the Battle Frontier, I always wanted to fight you," Caitlin revealed, "but you were very weak back then. That you have become stronger than me is quite a surprise."

Shortly after, Ash met again with Zinzolin, former sage of Team Plasma and former commander of Neo Team Plasma. Apparently he was now working for the government despite all of his crimes.

"I've always been good at taking opportunities," Zinzolin said. "When N left I joined Ghetsis because it was the best way to gain power. Now that Ghetsis can't even pick up a spoon, I joined the government. I just had to give them information and a couple of secrets."

Ash wanted to catch him and ask him for information about the Shadow Triad but the scared Zinzolin swore that he knew nothing. Besides, he hadn't spoken to them in months and he wasn't going to leave that hot town for anything in the world.

Lacunosa Town

Ash and his friends met Lenora and Clay. The two were researching more about the legends of kyurem when they saw Neo Team Plasma in the area.

The villains were looking to catch a cobalion but our heroes saved it.

"Tch, they're more of a nuisance than a threat but until we catch the three ninjas they won't leave us alone." Clay said after stopping the villains.

"Don't be discouraged, given what we've seen, in a week we will have caught the few grunts who're still in the run." Lenora said.

Opelucid City

The city had recovered its usual humor and color after the attack of last year. Even so, there were still people who looked fearfully at the sky from time to time, praying to Arceus that a flying ship wouldn't appear ready to freeze them all again.

The next battle of the tournament was Ash vs Drayden and they both went to Drayden's house, where there was a combat field prepared.

"It's a miracle that people still want me to be their mayor." Drayden commented.

"That's because he's a very good person." Ash said, getting Drayden to smile at his innocence.

Pikachu vs Haxorus. The winner was Pikachu to no one's surprise. Shortly after, Ash and Drayden saved a virizion from Neo Team Plasma.

Near Route 22 Ash and his friends helped Shauntal and Grimsley save a Terrakion from Neo Team Plasma.

"I should have continued on vacation in Alola." Grimsley commented annoyed.

"The story is right now in Unova. You can't afford to miss it." Shauntal told him.

Humilau City: Calm and Sparkling Seas

"Sup! Here already, huh? You look strong! Shoots! Let's start!"―Marlon, a Bigger Splash than the Sea!

Marlon seemed to be on a different wavelength than everyone else. Nothing seemed to worry him and he lived in the present without thinking about the consequences. A particular lifestyle that ten year old Ash would have agreed with but seventeen year old Ash not so much.

Samurott and Serperior vs Jellicent and Carracosta.

"You don't just look strong, you're strong fo' reals! Eh, I was swept away, too! Oh yeah, yo." Marlon said excitedly. "Hey, I'm going back to the water! See ya!"

"Aren't you going to ask him for the badge?" Chloe asked Ash.

"It wasn't a gym fight."

"Do you want a badge?" Marlon asked when he heard that. "Well, take the Wave badge, not that I mind giving it, you've earned it!"

ooOoo

Ash, Go and Chloe decided to spend a day at the beach. There they met and became friends with a newly married couple. The husband, Scott, wanted to go to the Celestial Tower and ring the bell.

"It's said to bring good luck to new couples." Scott explained. Chloe, excited to see the loving couple, asked Ash and Go to go to said tower. At first they didn't want to but they ended up accepting due to Chloe's insistence.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Celestial Tower

The wife's seven ex-boyfriends were hidden inside the tower. They had teamed up to attack the couple with their Pokémon and thus destroy their marriage.

"And here I thought this was going to be boring." Ash said when he saw so many enemies surrounding them.

"I thought the same." Go said.

"It's like in my soap operas." Chloe said very excited.

The curious situation quickly escalated when Neo Team Plasma appeared to capture a tornadus resting near the bell on the top floor. Skyla went to investigate what was happening with the help of Brycen who was training martial arts in the area.

Within minutes a battle royal broke out inside the tower. And to top it all off, the police showed up and the situation got completely out of control. In the end, Neo Team Plasma and the gang of ex-boyfriends were arrested by Agent Jenny. Luckily none of the graves suffered irreparable damage and the married couple was finally able to ring the bell.

The next day Ash received a message from Shadow Triad on his Rotom Phone:

"Come to Icirrus City alone. We'll be waiting for you."

On the outskirts of Icirrus city

"We told you to come alone." the TS said. The snow fell in great quantities, making their long white hair look like floating ghosts.

"And why would I listen to you?" Ash answered them. Next to him were Cilan, Chili and Cress.

"Finally we will have our sweet revenge." Cilan said.

"Shadow Triad, you're going to fall!" Chili roared.

"Surrender and pay for your crimes." Cress ordered.

"Heh heh heh/Are you the pathetic gym leaders we beat up three years ago?/What makes you think you can beat us now?"

"We're no longer the weaklings we used to be!" said the Striaton brothers at the same time.

"I will support you, let's put an end to Neo Team Plasma once and for all." Ash said very determined.

"Damn you Ash Ketchum/ Ghetsis gave us everything but you took it all away/ We're the only ones left to fulfill Ghetsis's will." the TS said.

Cilan, Chili and Cress faced the TS's banette, absol and accelgor while Ash defeated the six Bisharp that always accompanied the trio.

"Thank you for helping us Ash." said Cilan after finishing the fight.

"Not that we needed your help, but thank you." Chili said.

"As a sign of friendship, you and your friends can eat for free in our restaurant whenever you want." Cress said.

"You don't have to go that far," Ash said with a nervous smile. "If I have done this it is because you are my friends, nothing more."

Shortly after, the police took the Shadow Triad to prison, having finally captured all the members of Neo Team Plasma.

GALAR

Spikemuth: This rocking town has a punk vibe and streets crammed with shops lined up cheek by jowl

The aura of the town was heavy and a certain state of neglect was noticeable. Although from the information provided by the Rotom Phone, one year ago it was much worse. However, thanks to Marnie's exploits in the Galar League, the town had more tourism.

Henry, Casey and Linoone tried in every way to prevent Ash from arriving on time for his fight against Piers. From making other grunts surprise attack him in the middle of alleys to setting traps in the middle of the street.

Even so, they couldn't achieve it.

"I'm so sorry, I'll make it up to you somehow." Marnie said.

"No need, it was a good warm-up before the fight." Ash assured him.

Marnie smiled slightly at that.

"Even so, don't trust yourself too much, your opponent is my big bro."

ooOoo

Spikemuth Gym

"You wanna challenge me, even though you know you'll lose? Then this song's for you, foolish Trainer! Get ready for a mosh pit with me and my party! Spikemuth, it's time to rock!" ―Piers, the town star Spikemuth.

Dragonite, Riolu and Sirfetch'd vs Toxtricity Low Key Form, Malamar and Skutank.

Piers had only been this excited when he faced Raihan in last year's league. It was obvious that Ash wasn't from Galar and that his combat style was classic, just the way he liked it. Now he was beginning to understand why his sister couldn't stop talking about that young man from Pallet Town.

"It was a blast fighting you. That's what my Pokémon seem to feel too. I hope you come to see me when I give one of my concerts, I plan to dedicate a couple of songs to you."

"Thank you, I'll make sure to go with my friends, the more the merrier!"

"That was actually kinda sweet." said Marnie, approaching them with something in her hand. "Here Ash, the Dark badge."

"And that? If it hasn't been a gym fight." Piers said confused.

"The other leaders have given him their badges after losing as a sign of respect for Ash's strength."

"…"

"You would know if you paid attention to the group we have on social net." Marnie said after taking a sigh.

"You already know that I skip those things unless it's to put on concerts," his older brother laughed. "Anyway, you're going to be the new gym leader in a couple of weeks, so I'm not even going to worry about that."

"That's no excuse…"

"Are you going to be a gym leader?! That's cool!" Ash said happy at the news.

"You see, I've been training for years and they already gave me my license after passing the exam," Marnie explained. "Although I don't know if I'll have time when I'm the world champion."

"Don't worry because I'll the world champion." Ash laughed.

Ash and Marnie began to argue in a friendly manner as they walked through the town. The young man from Pallet Town ignored the looks of anger and envy that Team Yell gave him. Meanwhile Pikachu was playing with Morpeko running through the streets of the town.

"And your friends?" Marnie asked when she didn't see them anywhere.

"Go and Chloe are doing exams so I'll be alone for a couple of days."

"Would you like to accompany me on a mission?" Marnie asked. "President Rose has asked me to do him the favor of training some very talented kids. I'm just an errand girl but if you come with me at least it won't be a bore."

"It looks like fun, you can count on me!"

Turffield

The two children they had to train were called Eve and Petey. The girl was dressed as an eevee and the boy was dressed as a pikachu. Ash admitted that the child were very talented for being only nine years old.

Petey' pikachu quickly took a liking to Ash's pikachu, while Eve's eevee seemed to have a rivalry with Marnie's morpeko.

Nearby Sonia was studying more about the Darkest Day and when she saw them she greeted them. Curiously, at that moment Sonia's Rotom Phone rang. Apparently she had also entered the world tournament and her rival was a certain Ball Guy.

"The weird guy Gloria is a fan of." Marnie commented when she found out.

"It's not strange, Ball Guy is the coolest person in Galar!" said Eve and Petey very angry.

"I don't understand the little kids of today." Marnie said with a shrug.

"Children always have very curious tastes." Ash laughed despite not knowing who this Ball Guy was.

Ball Guy was a man with a huge red Poké Ball on his head. Ash recognized him from having seen him before, what surprised him was that that guy was a Pokémon trainer.

Sonia vs Ball Guy

Bolthund, Corviknight and Silvally vs Amoongus, Voltorb and Stunfisk Galar.

"By my Poké Balls, what strength your have!" Ball Guy exclaimed astonished after losing.

"That language, that there're little ones here." Marnie warned him.

"I'm sorry! Here, a pair of Ultra Balls each!"

"How do you have a silvally?" Ash asked Sonia.

"Do you know it?"

"It's a Pokémon created by the Aether Foundation in Alola," Ash explained. "I knew there were four but we never found the fourth."

"Leon and the police found it on the black market after a raid," Sonia explained while petting the Pokémon. "Surely someone from Alola sold it for a lot of money. He was aggressive so they gave him to my grandmother to investigate. After contacting the Aether Foundation, we managed to find out what it was and thus we were able to calm him down... In the end he became attached to me and hasn't wanted to separate since then."

Ash's riolu wanted to test his strength against Silvally and ended up evolving into Lucario during the fight.

KALOS

Go and Chloe finally finished their exams and went with Ash to Kalos to investigate the legendaries of the region.

After obtaining permission from the Kalos Pokémon Association and accompanied by Viola and Ramos, our heroes visited the Allearth forest, home of Xerneas Alpha.

"The presence of Xerneas continues to positively affect this area." Ramos said very happily after observing the plants and flowers.

"The truth is that I have seen few places as beautiful." said Viola without stopping taking photos.

"There're many Pokémon." Chloe observed.

"Lots of Pokémon to catch." Go said excitedly as he took out several empty Poké Balls.

Ash laughed seeing everyone so happy. However, his look became a little serious when Malva and Siebold of the Elite Four appeared accompanied by the gigantic former king of Kalos, AZ.

"We have come to investigate if Yvetal is still hibernating in his cave." AZ explained

"And we have come in case something bad happens." Siebold said with a smile.

"Being a journalist I shouldn't say this, but I hope nothing happens." Malva commented.

Ash, Go and Chloe went with them to the cave where they saw Yvetal still inside a cocoon. The death energy that said cocoon emitted made Go and Chloe step back instinctively.

"No matter how much time passes, life and death will always be close." said the immortal AZ

Aquacorde Village

Ash's lucario watched on TV as Korrina's lucario mega evolved to defeat a formidable opponent. That made Lucario interested in mega evolution.

Ash later faced Calem, one of his rivals from Kalos whom he hadn't seen for two years.

Goodra, Noivern and Talonflame vs Meowstic (Male), Chesnaught, Mega Absol.

"And to think that when I saw you again you're already a champion." Calem said with a smile after losing.

"Are you still working at the orphanage with Emma?" Ash asked him.

"No, the Flare Trio is in charge of it now. Emma is now a Police Officer and Looker's contact in Kalos. The Kalos P. A. recently named me a Top Trainer. Although I usually work in the world of Pokémon fashion."

Lumiose City

After training with Wikstrom of the Elite Four, Ash, Go and Chloe visited the Lumiose tower where Clemont and his little sister Bonnie were. The little girl tried to ask Chloe to be her brother's girlfriend.

"I still have no interest in that stuff," Chloe said with a nervous laugh.

"A shame, considering how pretty you are." Bonnie said sadly.

"Don't pay attention to my little sister, please." Clemont asked Chloe.

Our heroes had planned to go study Zygarde with the brothers but Ash's Rotom Phone rang indicating that he had to face Drasna of the Elite Four. A woman that little Bonnie also asked to be her brother's girlfriend.

ooOoo

Lumiose Stadium

"You must have extraordinary strength since you have come so far in just a few years. I'm very happy for you, young man. My Pokémon will be able to get stronger if they play with you for a while, so come on, let's not waste time." ―Drasna.

Sirfetch'd and Dracovish vs Noivern and Mega Altaria.

The Kalos league stadium with almost everyone supporting Drasna but in the end Ash was the one who took the victory.

"Wow, wow... What a display! You and your Pokémon team are lovely." Drasna said happy and sad at the same time.

"It was a pretty intense fight," commented Champion Diantha, who was interested to see how strong Ash had become. "I hope you don't lower that intensity if you face me one day."

"I always use my full power, especially with rivals like you." said Ash, eager for that day to arrive.

Chloe took the opportunity to ask Diantha for an autograph, because when they were at PokéWood she didn't have the opportunity.

Unknown forest

Ash reunited with Greninja, who had already finished his mission to protect Kalos after two years of intense work and could return to Ash. Without wasting the opportunity, Greninja trained Lucario so that he could improve his connection with Ash and his abilities with aura.

Meanwhile, Clemont and Bonnie explained things about Zygarde to Go and Chloe, who looked at the legendary guardian of the ecosystem in surprise.

"Life, death and the one who keeps the balance of both..." Go murmured. "Legendary Pokémon not only possess extraordinary abilities or powers, they're also essential for the universe. I see that capturing Mew is not going to be easy if he's the ancestor of such fantastic and wonderful beings!"

"So, you're not going to give up?" Chloe asked with a smile, knowing the answer in advance.

"Of course not, after all the future is in my hands!"

"Exactly," Clemont said excitedly upon hearing her words. "The future is now, thanks to science!"

"I'm glad you have a new friend, little brother," said Bonnie, "but I'd rather you find a girlfriend."

With the help of Valerie and Wulfric, Ash, Chloe and Go reached the Diamond Kingdom where they saw a lot of carbink. Nearby was the Diancie that Ash met during his travels through Kalos. Diancie agreed to be "investigated" by Go and even showed him her mega evolution.

Route 15 – Brun Way

Ash's next fight was against Helena, a milk moo-moo seller and the most famous Hex Maniac in Kalos who raised passions wherever she went. Her little sister, known as Fairy Tale Girl Lovelyn, always accompanied her.

"Are you from Kanto? We are descendants of the exorcists of the old Lavender Tower, although we have spent almost our entire lives in Hoenn." the sisters told to Ash.

During the fight, Ash's hawlucha defeated Helen's gengar.

Lumiose City - Looker & Co.

Ash visited Emma, who had just solved three robbery cases and one murder case. Next to her was assistant Mimi, who in the past was part of the Plasma trio.

"There used to be a lot more crime in the alleys of the city," Emma explained as she served food to Ash, Go, and Chloe. "But since we built the orphanage and this detective agency, things have gotten better."

"I'm very happy... Are you still wearing the Essentia suit?" Asked Ash when he saw said suit nearby.

"Team Flare's technology is very useful for saving people and fighting criminals," Mimi said. "Although only those from Team Flare know how to use it since if another does it, it blocks and/or self-destructs, depending on the situation."

"And how come you can use it?" Chloe asked worried.

"Aren't you afraid of dying?" Go asked, although he thought his suit was very cool.

"Don't worry, the creator of the suit, professor Xerosic, still considers me part of Team Flare," Emma said with a somewhat sad gesture. "The government has asked me to help them with said technology but I don't want to. It's too dangerous. Thanks to Looker and the Kalos P. A., who appointed me as Top's trainer, they couldn't do anything to me."

"And Looker hasn't had any problems?" Ash asked. Although he was having a hard time following all that.

"He's a hero of the International Police and after the success in the Ultra Beasts case, he was promoted. They don't dare touch him for fear of the repercussions."

"And where is that Looker guy now?" Go asked curious.

"On a date with a woman named Jupiter."

The next day Ash and his friends helped Emma stop an evil Malamar who was still obsessed with world domination. He had taken control of the old Lysandre Café and used the place's technology for his nefarious purposes.

ooOoo

Before leaving town Ash defeated professor Sycamore in a battle between Ash-Greninja and Mega Carizard Y.

"Ugh, I'm afraid I'm not going to get very far in the world tournament this year," Sycamore complained with a wide smile on his face. "At least I was able to test the strength of your greninja in person."

Go didn't know where to find a volcanion, so Ash suggested asking Olympia for help, because with her psychic abilities she could surely help them. Curiously, the gym leader had already had a prophetic dream and told Ash to go with her to the Kalos Energy plant. There they found the gym leader Grant following the trail of a volcanion that they finally found together.

Shalour City

The next battle of the Pokémon World Tournament was between champion Ash and gym leader Korrina.

"Do you have a Lucario? Congratulations Ash! I always knew you were a trainer with the look of having a lucario." Korrina said.

"Thank you." Ash responded with a smile as he watched how his lucario admired Korrina's Lucario.

"If you beat me I'll give you a key stone and I'll tell you where to find a Lucarionite." Korrina said.

"Oh really? Now I really can't afford to lose!" Ash said excitedly.

Gengar and Dragonite vs Mienshao and Mega Lucario

After defeating Korrina, Ash and Go went with her to the Mega Island. And after passing several tests imposed by Korrina's grandfather, Gurkinn, Ash obtained the Lucarionite.

Meanwhile Chloe met Serena, and together they participated in a Pokémon Contest with Aria, the queen of Kalos. After finishing, Ash and Serena met again for a few minutes but had to say goodbye because Serena had to catch a flight to Hoenn.

Kiloude City

In the Friendship Safari Ash and Chloe helped Go get a shiny voltorb.

"Getting shiny Pokémon in the Friendship Safari isn't easy, but it's not super complicated either," Baoba commented while giving Go a Pangoro hat as a prize. "Although knowing Ash, I'm sure that if he tries he'll capture thirty Shiny Tauros, heh heh heh."

Pikachu, Go and Chloe took Ash away from there just as he was going to launch himself at the old man.

They later met a scientist who wanted to study the shiny Pokémon from Go. Apparently the guy was also a friend of professor Burnet. Upon finding out that Ash was his friend's "son," he invited them all to dinner at his house with his wife and daughter.

"I'm going to prepare some delicious hamburgers like the ones on Cinnabar Island." His wife assured when she knew that Ash was from Kanto. Meanwhile Pikachu and the rest of the Pokémon were playing with the family's Litleo.

ooOoo

Battle House

"If you're free for a time, come on by. If you're bored for a while, stop on in. Battle till you burst, oh, won't you try. If you want to battle, the Battle Maison's fine You're a good one, guest. It's a pleasure to me that you keep coming to see us. Let's get started with the battle at once, and mind yourself that you don't lose everything! you to the most smashing battle you've ever had!" ―Morgan of the four Battle Chatelaine sisters.

Goodra, Ash-Greninja and Lucario vs Klefki, Latias and Virizion.

"I didn't expect anything less from you, if I'm honest..." Morgan said after losing. "You have fulfilled each and every one of the expectations that I had placed on you. Hee hee."

"I didn't expect you to have two legendaries on your team," Ash said with a big smile of satisfaction on his face. "I think this was the best fight I've had in Kalos."

Morgan smiled back as something ran through her mind.

"Hey, it may seem silly to you, but... why don't you try working here? If we had the skill that characterizes you, our popularity would skyrocket. Plus, we would give you an outfit that matched our Battle Chatelaines outfits."

"Well, I'm already champion of Alola, professor Cerise's assistant and there're people who want me to also be Frontier Brain..." Ash said nervously.

After giving Ash an Expert Battler Ribbon, Morgan retired.

GALAR

Stow-on-Side Village

Ash's next fight was against Bea. Korrina, who was a friend of the gym leader, accompanied Ash to Galar to visit her.

Korrina brought Poké Puffs and Laverre chocolates, which made Bea smile a lot.

"If they gave us a Poké Puffs for every time someone has seen Bea smile... we would be poor." Alistar commented to Ash, Go and Chloe.

"It's not true, I smile a lot." Bea said after happily swallowing half of Korrina's gifts.

"You're a terribly liar…" said Korrina.

ooOoo

Stow-on-Side Stadium

"Ash, I know you are strong but... Do you have an unshakable spirit that won't be moved, no matter how you are attacked? I think I'll just test that out, shall I?" ―Bea, The Galar karate prodigy.

Pikachu, Sirfetch'd and Mega Lucario vs Grapploct, Hawlucha and Gigamax Machamp.

"Thank you so much. I've enjoyed every second of this fight... I'd rather have won, of course, but I have to admit that I feel a sense of serenity now," Bea said with a soft smile. "I hope that you'll meet many more Trainers and have many more matches in the future. And I hope that every one of those encounters will nourish your spirit."

"It has been an amazing fight, plus thanks to you Lucario and I have been able to master mega evolution, right friend?" Ash said happily.

"Lu!"

Go, Chloe, Korrina, and Allister watched as Bea gave the Fighting badge to Ash while they discussed the match.

Later they all went to eat at Bea's favorite bakery, where some of her classmates were also there.

"Do you go to school?" Ash asked confused. "Despite being gym leaders?"

"Unlike in other regions, the job of gym leader is secondary." Bea explained.

"How curious, given that Galar is known for being the most competitive region of all." Go said.

"That's precisely why we do it this way," Allister said. "Being a gym leader is a lot of pressure and having "normal" jobs helps us remember that we're people with lives of our own."

Chloe mulled over those words a lot in her head, because they reminded her that she still didn't know what to do when she grew up.

"In Kalos we are obsessed with mega evolution so I guess each region has its own thing." Korrina laughed.

Hammerlocke: A city of great history, living and thriving within castle walls that date back to the middle ages

The capital of Galar was a city of historical and cultural bastions and the center of electrical energy in the region. As soon as Ash arrived he met Lance and Leon, who were going to have a fight in the stadium. Later it would be Ash's turn against Raihan.

Leon vs Lance.

The fight was Gigamax Charizard vs Dynamax Dragonite, Leon being the winner. After finishing the two spoke with Ash about Raihan.

"Raihan has always been my rival in Galar. Thanks to him I always remember that you should never let your guard down. I don't know who to support." said Leon, the Galar champion.

"You should be careful. I trained with him about five years ago and realized that in any other region, Raihan would be a champion." said Lance, the Johto champion.

Since there was still a lot of time until their fight, Ash, Go and Chloe visited the huge city.

ooOoo

Hammerlocke Vault

That place was where Lance trained years ago with Raihan, so Ash wanted to go in to see what it was like. There they met Marnie, Gloria, Victor and Hop. The Gym leader of Spikemuth quickly came over to greet Ash, a detail that the others didn't miss.

"It's your turn to face Raihan, right?" Marnie asked Ash.

"That's how it is."

"That guy gave us problems when we had to get his badge." Victor complained.

"It was the best gym fight of my life." Gloria said happily.

"The more difficult the battle is, the more you enjoy it." Hop laughed.

Go and Chloe met up with Sonia, who was looking at several tapestries that told of historical moments in the region, especially the legend of the two kings and the Darkest Day.

"My, my, it seems like my "lair" has become a tourist spot." Raihan joked when he saw so many people around. The young man was accompanied by president Rose, who looked at Ash curiously.

"I've been watching your career as Alola's first champion very closely, and I must say I'm impressed," Rose said. "Although your exploits before achieving such a title were already incredible. Raihan, I advise you not to let your guard down with this one."

"I never do, besides, it would look very bad in front of my fans." Raihan said after taking several selfies with Ash and his friends.

ooOoo

Then Go went with Sonia and Hop to Hammerlocke University to continue studying Galarian legends. Chloe went with Gloria and Victor to visit various stores while Ash and Marnie went to eat at the Battle Café.

After defeating Café Master Dwight, Top's trainer and owner of the establishment, Ash, Marnie, Pikachu and Morpeko enjoyed the different delicacies of the establishment for free:

Pewter Crunchies from Kanto, Moo-moo Milk from Johto, Lava Cookie from Hoenn, Old Gateau from Sinnoh, Casteliacone from Unova, Lumiose Galette from Kalos, Big Malasada from Aola and Sweets from Galar.

Marnie and Pikachu watched in delight as Ash and Morpeko ate almost all of it by themselves.

ooOoo

Hammerlocke Stadium

"So to defeat Leon I must first defeat the Alola champion… and, to top it all off, you have also set out to defeat him. Are you aware of the enormous challenge it represents? Don't worry, his powerful eternal rival will prove it to you." ―Raihan, the tamer of dragons!

Dragonite, Gigantamax Gengar and Lucario vs Flygon, Goodra and Gigantamax Duraludon. Everyone was right, Raihan had the level of a champion but Ash managed to beat him thanks to the training he did in Kalos with Greninja.

The audience couldn't believe that Leon's rival had lost but they still applauded Ash for the good fight he had given. Raihan for his part took a selfie with Ash after shaking his hand.

"What can I possibly say? Calling myself Leon's rival? Seems I'd grown quite conceited for someone who can't even claim the title of Champion! Overconfident in both myself and my team! You have a great future ahead of you, kid. Beat Leon for me, okay?"

"Don't even doubt that, my goal has always been to beat Leon and I'm not going to change my mind." Ash said.

"Take the Dragon badge, so you can remember our fight." Raihan said. With this last badge Ash already had all the Galar badges despite not needing them.

Meanwhile, in the VIP area of the stands, president Rose and Leon watched everything with a wide smile.

"That boy is very talented, his strategies are unpredictable but his strong connection with his Pokémon makes them work." Leon said excitedly. It had been years since he had wanted to confront someone so much.

"Despite being only seventeen years old, his experience is that of a veteran trainer, I would say even more so," Rose noted. "He has been in danger of death many times and yet he carries on as if nothing had happened."

"I find it curious that he continues to retain that childish mentality," commented Oleana, vice president of Macro cosmos. "Most people would have serious problems due to such traumatic events."

"Yes, he's a different boy, maybe the kind of person who can help me change the future..." Rose murmured.

Isle of Armor

Marnie told Ash that she, Gloria, Victor and Hop were going to have intensive training on a famous island in Galar. Ash, Go and Chloe decided to accompany them and visit said island.

There they met Old Master Mustard, a former Galarian champion and martial arts master. Next to him were his young wife Honey and his son Hyde.

There were also Mustard's students, among whom Klara and Avery stood out. The two were new gym leaders of the poison and psychic types respectively and were the stars of the island. Klara was a Gordie fan and obsessed with fame while Avery was a descendant of famous mediums and wanted to show his family how strong he was.

During the following days Ash, Marnie and Gloria trained with Mustard, having to "dodge" the traps of Klara and Avery, who wanted to continue being Mustard's best students.

Go and Hop, for their part, investigated the fauna and flora of the place, while traveling through secret caves and tunnels.

Chloe and Victor spent almost all their time inside the dojo with Honey and her son Hyde.

ooOoo

"I'm not holding a single thing back anymore. Time to settle this—fair and square!" ―Klara, the poisonous beauty.

"Heh. Let us have an elegant battle worthy of being called a finale. Prepare to sink into despair." ―Avery, the intellectual psychic.

"It's been a week, and I'd like to warm up the atmosphere a little," Mustard said with a mischievous smile. "Ash, since you are champion I would like you to face Klara and Avery at the same time. This way you show the lads the strength of someone who is at the top."

"Of course, I really want to take revenge, I mean, to fight with them." Said Ash, who was eager to teach his two new rivals a lesson.

"Do you really think you can beat the two of us alone?" Avery asked as he laughed.

"So much arrogance, worthy of a star, I like it!" said Klara also laughing.

Charizard and Wartortle vs Galarian Slowking and Galarian Slowbro. The rest of the students were speechless as they saw how Ash defeated the two without losing a single Pokémon.

"You have managed to break my peace of mind with your strength!" Avery said stunned.

"Arghhh! What a great frustration! Although I admit that I had a good time..." said Klara.

"Hee, hee, hee, what a lesson you've taught them, kid," said Mustard. "You remind me a lot of Leon when he was your age."

"They told me that you were his teacher, is that true?" "Asked Ash curious.

Mustard nodded while giving a sigh of nostalgia.

"It didn't take long for the little kid to beat me." the old master laughed.

Right after the meal, Ash's Rotom Phone rang indicating, to everyone's surprise, that Honey was his next rival.

"I knew signing up for the tournament was a good idea," said Mustard's wife. "We'll see if you're as good as my darling."

"Heh heh heh, don't let your guard down Ash, I did it once and ended up losing to her." Mustard warned him.

ooOoo

"What do you say, Ash? Are you ready? Let's then begin!" ―Honey.

Heracross, Sirfetch'd, Melmetal, Floatzel, Staraptor and Gigamax Pikachu vs Blissey, Darmanitan Galar, Salazzle, Gallade, Togekiss and Gigamax Venusaur.

The fight was held on the dojo court, where dynamax could be done. A brutal six-on-six in which Ash lost four Pokémon before emerging victorious.

"It reminded me of a fight between champions." Hop commented in amazement.

"Incredible…" Chloe said stunned.

"How strong is that woman?" Go asked surprised.

"Too much…" Victor complained.

"And she entered the world of Pokémon fighting as an adult." Hyde, Honey's son, boasted.

"I want to fight her too!" Gloria complained.

"…Ash, I knew you would win." Marnie murmured.

"After seeing him giving his all, I realize that he has been very gentle with us." Klara said with a nervous laugh.

"No doubt…" Avery said, sweating slightly.

"Ayyyy, jo... how angry! Hee hee... But it has been so hectic that my heart is still beating wildly. I had a great time! I would say that my strength is comparable to that of my darling," said Honey after shaking Ash's hand. "But yours is immeasurable! I am sure that it'ill be a good incentive for the students. Now you are another member of the Master Dojo family."

"It's a great honor." Ash said happily upon hearing that.

"I hope you continue to take care of others! That being said... Don't think it's going to stay that way! You owe me rematch! I hope to fight another great battle against you again."

"I had a great time too. If I had known that there were such strong people on this island, I would have come sooner." Ash said.

Before leaving the island, Klara and Avery gave the Poison and Psychic badges to Ash, as a symbol that they accepted him as their rival.

Crown Tundra

It was said that there were legendary Pokémon in the area, plus Ash's next rival was around, so our heroes went to investigate. There Ash met again the happy and restless man Peony and his two daughters Peonia and Penny. Apparently they had come to investigate the mysteries of the place.

ooOoo

Freezington

"Your eevee backpack is very cute." Chloe said to Penny. The two were in the house that Peony had rented to rest between adventures.

"…"

"I like eevee too." Chloe said taking hers out of the Poké Ball. Chloe's eevee quickly approached Penny, surprising her and instantly taking a liking to her.

"Wow, it's the first time Eevee wants to get so close to someone she doesn't know so quickly." Chloe commented.

"…Shee must have smelled others of her kind." Penny finally said after petting the Pokémon.

"Uh?"

"My team... My team is made up of eevee evolutions... I have them all... well, no, since I can only carry six at a time..."

"How wonderful, you must really like eevees!"

"…Yes a lot." Penny said, breaking out a smile for the first time.

"I haven't decided yet if I want Eevee to evolve, although the final decision is hers."

"Sometimes it's better to leave things as they are... changes are not always good."

Chloe noticed a certain sadness in the girl's voice but didn't dare ask her in case it scared her.

From time to time they saw Go and Peony run into the house and then come out again and so on several times. The two were talking loudly about a king and a queen, two crowns and two steeds… They honestly seemed like two madmen who were solving some universal mystery. They were even seen planting carrots late at night.

ooOoo

Meanwhile Ash and Peonia were exploring the dynamax super nest, living adventures with other strong trainers in the area. Even so, they had to stop the adventure when Go appeared asking them for help with a mission he and Peony had.

ooOoo

"A Pokémon with the gift of making any harvest prosper in this frozen wasteland. The one who turns plains into fields of flowers with a simple gesture of the right hand. The one who ripens any fruit or vegetable with a simple gesture of the sinister hand. On the back of his steed he rides, adorned with a great Crown of a sparkling green. And he leaves behind a trail of tiny shoots where the hooves of its mount touch the ground. Its power makes it a worthy monarch of these lands and, as such, we pay homage to it." ―Mayor of Freezington.

Chloe and Penny watched in surprise as Ash, Peonia, Go and Peony returned the next morning accompanied by four strange Pokémon: A king, a queen and two steeds. The king and queen were Calyrex, the king was riding a Spectrier and the queen was riding a Glastrier.

The two Calyrex used Peony's body to communicate with humans and thanked our heroes for their help.

"Once we were the king and queen of Galar, but now we'll be its protectors in the shadows." They both said through Peony, who had not heard much about the adventure since he had spent most of his time possessed by the Calyrex.

"In the end it has been fun to sign up for one of my father's adventures." Peony said.

"Yes, your father has very good instincts." Ash said.

Ash, Go, and Peonia later investigated the Galar forms of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. And when Ash finished Rotom Phone he told him that his next rival was... Peony!

"Be careful, my father was champion of Galar years ago," Peonia warned him with a smile. "Make sure you give it a good beating!"

"You can count on me." Ash responded.

"But hey, you're supposed to cheer up your father!" Peony complained sadly. "Penny, my little girl, at least you're going to cheer me up, right?"

"…Good luck, I guess…" Penny said with as little enthusiasm as possible.

"Ugh, well, at least is something."

Sirfetch'd, Feraligatr, Torterra, Torkoal and Gigamax Gengar vs Perrserker, Scizor, Bronzong, Aggron and Gigamax Copperjah.

Left alone with Feraligatr and Torterra, Ash managed to defeat Peony, earning a hug and kiss on the cheek from Peonia, much to Peony's chagrin, Penny's surprise, and Chloe's excitement. Go didn't see anything strange in all that.

"Gahaha! That's why you're the chief, Champion!" Peony said after calming down. "Mighty strong Pokémon you've got! Copperajah and the rest look ultra-mega-pleased that they got a chance to cut loose, too!"

"It shows that you were a champion, you are very strong!" Ash said happily. "The further I advance in the world tournament, the more problems I have with my rivals... What a thrill, this is what the road to the top should be like!"

"Well, keep climbing, champion," Peony laughed when he saw so much enthusiasm and fire in the young man's eyes. "Soon only the thirty-two best will be able to fight in Galar."

Shortly after they all went with Peony to investigate the legendary Regieleki and Regidrago.

The biggest surprise for Ash on this adventure was meeting the Aether family. After following the clues left by Lillie's shiny magearna, the family had found Mohn, husband of Lusamine and father of Gladion and Lillie.

Mohn suffered from the amnesia typical of those who had traveled through one or more portals. He had been saved by a shiny nihilego whom he had mistaken for his daughter Lillie.

After helping Mohn recover his memories, Lillie captured the shiny nihilego after calling her… Lillie.

"Thank you for helping us get my father back, Ash." Lillie said after giving Ash a soft hug.

"You don't need to give them to me. As your friend and champion of Alola, it is my duty to help you, and even if it weren't, I would do it countless times without hesitation." Ash said, returning the hug.

Lusamine, Gladion, and Chloe smiled as they noticed the blush on Lillie's face.

"Wow, I guess I should prepare myself because our destiny is to be united as a family." Gladion said after putting a hand to his face.

"What are you talking about?" Go asked very confused.

"Don't your blue eyes see how those two shine?"

"… Are you always like that?"

Having finished the investigations in the area, Ash wanted to accompany the Aether family back to Alola. Go and Chloe would also go with him.

ALOLA

During the trip back, Lillie talked with her father and Ash the entire time, teaching them everything she had learned.

"Father, Ash, look at my Pokémon team." Lillie said excitedly. From her Poké Balls came an Alola ninetales, a ribombee, a castform, a shiny magearna, a silvally and a polteageist.

"You've captured a polteageist," Ash said when he saw the little Pokémon. "And Clefable and Lunala?"

"I left Clefable at the mansion. Lunala usually always flies near us at night," Lillie explained. "That is if she doesn't use her portals to play with Nebby."

"W-wait... Do you have a lunala?" Mohn and Go asked surprised at the same time.

Ash didn't expect that his first opponent as soon as he set foot in Alola was a sightseer named Naomi.

"I have been in Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova and Galar, but I never thought I would be lucky enough to face a champion." Naomi said excitedly.

"Well, I'm going to show you how we do it in Alola." Ash said.

After defeating her Sandlash with Pikachu, Naomi said that she was going to look for her husband Marcus, because she wanted the two to take a photo with the young man from Pallet Town. A kind of souvenir for her honeymoon.

During their stay in Alola, Ash, Go and Chloe would stay at professor Kukui and professor Burnet's house. The professor's new house was much bigger and more spacious so there were no problems.

Ash's friends also included their son, Lei.

"Hello, Lei, I'm your older brother." Ash said when he saw the baby. Until now they had only seen each other through a screen but this was the first time they had done it in person.

Little Lei laughed when Ash touched his hand, showing that he recognized him from before.

"How cute!" Chloe said when she saw the interaction between siblings.

"I'm very glad you're back, but you have to visit us more." Burnet said after giving him a hug.

"I'm sorry, I'll do it more, I promise."

"You'll see how happy everyone will be when they see that our champion is back in person." Kukui laughed.

Trainers's School

Ash, Lillie, Gladion, Go and Chloe went to school, where Ash's friends and important people from Alola were waiting to give him a party.

Ash always kept in touch with them every week through the Rotom Phone. But seeing them in person was a thousand times better.

"Alola my dear companion," said RotomDex. "Your faithful helper at your service."

"Alola boss! His merchandise continues to sell like crazy," said Elio, who was wearing a t-shirt and pikachu caps on top. "Especially the figurines of his Pokémon team."

"Alola my great rival!" Kiawe exclaimed as soon as he saw Ash. "The fire of Wela has united our destinies again!"

"Calm down Kiawe, you talk to him every week," Mallow reminded him between laughs. "Alola Ash, how are you? I have prepared a lot of food for you and your friends."

"Alola Ash. I hope you stay for a long time in Alola." Lana scolded him jokingly.

"Alola Ash, I was recently at the Mossdeep space center in Hoenn," Sophocles told him. "Unfortunately we couldn't see each other. I should have told you that instead of asking you what the best restaurants in Hoenn were."

"Alola, champion." Teacher Emily from class 4B greeted him.

"Alola Ash, I hope we can meet in the world tournament!" Hau said enthusiastically while he ate several malasadas.

"Hello, Alola champion. The agents of the Interpol, LetsGP and LetsGE have nothing important to report." said Chase and Elaine at the same time, who were natives of Kanto.

"Alola. We heard that you helped Miss Lillie find and save Mr. Mohn, thank you." said the foundation employees, Akira and Mana, at the same time.

"Alola… I only came because there was free food." Dulse of the Ultra Recon Squad lied.

"Alola Ash! Heh heh heh what a joy to see you in person!" Zossie said happily. "Dulse and I are so busy helping the foundation that we have barely been able to contact you."

"Alola everyone! I'm also very happy to see you!" Ash said happily, receiving hugs from all of them, except Dulse who shook his hand.

Go and Chloe watched in surprise as other people came by to greet and hug Ash, also giving him gifts such as food and clothes. The atmosphere was warm and loving, and the happiness on Ash's face was fascinating to see.

"Wow, they really love him." Chloe said.

"Well, he is their champion." Go said.

"It's not just that," Lillie said when she heard them. "Ash represents the hope of Alola. He helped us a lot and thanks to his influence we all changed for the better. Without him I don't know how or where we would be."

"It's obvious that you like him a lot." RotomDex mocked.

"Sh-shut up!"

"The harem doesn't stop growing..." Chloe murmured.

At that moment Ash called Go and Chloe because he wanted to introduce them to very important people.

"Go, Chloe, meet my Elite Four!" Ash said proudly. As the four advanced to greet the champion's new friends.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Kahili, flying type specialist." said the famous golfer.

"I'm the boss of… I mean, my name is Molayne and I specialized in the steel type." the clueless man laughed. "Sorry, I just got back from Hoenn with my nephew and I a little lose."

"But that happens to you even if you don't travel." Kukui joked, earning laughter from the rest and Molayne.

"I'm also part of the Elite Four, but I suppose introductions are unnecessary since our destinies already intertwined a few days ago," Gladion said, surprising Go and Chloe. "I have no specialty because I seek freedom."

"I see there is everything in the Elite Four." Go murmured.

"And I'm the strongest of the Elite Four and Master Ash's Alola rival!" the sinnoh native exclaimed proudly. "I'm Selene and I don't have any specialties either!"

"Well, I'm Go from Vermilion City." said the boy with a smile.

"H-hello, I'm Chloe Cerise." said the girl, a little intimidated by the competitive looks of the Elite Four. From the outside they seemed like happy and normal people but she could notice their great strength from a distance.

"I was going to be from the Elite Four but I ended up rejecting the offer," Lusamine told her husband Mohn. "I prefer that young people have fun, I already have a lot of work with the foundation."

"Thank goodness, I doubt anyone could beat the Elite Four of Alola if you were there." Mohn laughed, making his beautiful wife smile. Alola was very changed for him but you could tell that all those changes were good.

"I wanted to be in the Elite Four but I lost against Selene." Acerola said without losing her cheerful smile.

As champion of Alola, his job was also to solve the problems of his region, so he started by solving the problems that some people had at Tide Song Hotel.

Meanwhile Lana asked Chloe if she wanted to train with Ilima, who was an eevee expert.

"I'm known for being the only person from Alola to have completed the Eevee Challenge." Ilima explained proudly to Chloe.

"What's that?"

"It consists of defeating the eight Eevee evolution experts in Alola in a row and without breaks," Lana told him, "but you can only use one Eevee to defeat them. If you succeed they give you an Eevium Z."

"It seems very complicated." Chloe said worried.

"It's. I have not yet overcome the challenge with my eevee and I was two victories away from achieving it." Lana confessed.

"You must be very strong if you came this far." Chloe said amazed.

"Thank you." Lana laughed.

When it came to studying legendaries and Ultra Beasts, Go and Chloe had it easy. For some reason almost all of Ash's friends had one or the other.

Ash had Naganadel, Melmetal and Solgaleo. Lillie a Magearna (shiny), Silvally and Lunala. Selene a Pheromosa and Zeraora. Elio a Stakataka and Marshadow. Kiawe a Blacephalon. Mallow a Shaymin and Kartana. Lana a Buzzwole. Sophocles a Xurkitree. And finally Gladion a Silvally and Celesteela.

"And the ultra beast guzzlord?" Go asked a few days later.

"The Ultra Recon Squad has one in a very secret place so I doubt they'll let you see it," Kukui explained, bitterly remembering the problems that Pokémon caused. "Even so, we have many videos and documents that I can pass on to you."

"Thank you, although it's a shame not to be able to study it in person."

"Listen to me Go, it's better not to approach a guzzlord." Ash said with the most serious expression they had ever seen on him.

While in Alola, Ash put his champion ribbon on his cap. Although that didn't change the fact that he was in the middle of a tournament and strangely his fights began to be more frequent and constant.

Ash vs Faba: Solgaleo vs Hypno and Slowbro. Faba's Pokémon didn't even bother to fight and gave up after a few seconds.

"I-it should be legal to use such a legendary!" Faba complained to the P.A.'s Drone Rotom.

"No, it isn't illegal." Drone Rotom calmly responded.

"Well said mate." RotomDex said.

"Don't worry, Faba, you are the only person I'll use Solgaleo with in this tournament." Ash said in a passive aggressive tone.

"Damn you, it wasn't enough for you to ruin all my plans, huh? You had to humiliate me until the last second!"

Ash was not listening to him because he had already left.

ooOoo

Ash vs Ryuki: Incineroar and Melmetal vs Dragonite and Drampa.

"I have become good friends with Tokyo." Ryuki said after losing the fight.

"Is Tokyo okay? And his father?"

"His father is still mentally ill but Tokyo has already accepted it," Ryuki revealed. "He has offered to train me in the ways of Alola, he wants me to be the next Dragon Captain of Alola."

"But all that has to be decided by Hapu and Tapu Fini." Ash reminded him.

Ryuki shrugged.

"Tokio wants to break ties with his family's legacy. And being a captain doesn't seem like a bad idea to me, you know? I think I'll try so hard that the Kahuna and the Tapu will have no choice but to accept me. Hell Yeah!

"Well, as champion of Alola, you have my full support." Ash said, shaking his hand.

ooOoo

Ash vs Tristan: Twilight Lycanroc vs Alola Exeggutor.

Ash vs Acerola: Incineroar and Naganadel vs Dhelmise and Palossand.

Ash vs Olivia: Pikachu and Melmetal vs daytime Lycanroc and nighttime Lycanroc.

ooOoo

Ash vs Sophocles: Pikachu, Decidueye and Naganadel vs Togedemaru, Vikavolt and Xurkitree.

"I haven't been a good trainer... But it's okay, friends. We'll do better next time." Sophocles said to his Pokémon.

"You underestimate yourself too much when you're one of the strongest trainers in Alola," Ash told him. "You have the same level as a Top trainer."

"… Oh really?"

"Well, of course, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!"

Sophocles laughed happily when he heard that.

ooOoo

Ash vs Hapu: Decidueye and Melmetal vs Mudsdale and Dugtrio Alola.

Ash vs Plumeria: Incineroar and Melmetal vs Toxapex and Salazzle.

ooOoo

Ash vs Guzma: Pikachu, Incineroar and Decidueye vs Golisopod, Vikavolt and Masquerain.

Guzma withdrew his Pokémon after losing and left.

"I heard that Team Skull now helps people who are homeless, giving them houses and jobs," Ash said, making Guzma stop. "In addition, you have built a Pokémon training place for people without resources."

"And what if it is like that? Do you have a problem with that, "champion"?"

"Not at all, I'm just glad you found your calling."

"...It's Plumeria you should thank, it was her idea," Guzma said without turning around. "By the way, tell your friend Elio that if he hurts Plumeria, he'll deal with me."

"Why would Elio hurt her?" Ash asked strangely.

"Don't you know, champion? Those two are dating, even if they try to pretend half the region knows it."

"…What?!/Pika?!"

ooOoo

"Lately I have had a lot of fights in a row." Ash said.

"It's normal, the tournament will close soon and only those who are among the thirty-two best in the ranking will go to the final rounds." Kukui explained. Shortly after Ash confronted Hau.

Pikachu, Decidueye and Naganadel vs Raichu Alola, Decidueye, Crabominable

"Wow, this makes me hungry!" Hau said.

"With how strong you are, I wouldn't be surprised if you became Kahuna of Melemele any day."

"We can continue talking about it while we eat malasadas." Hau suggested.

Ash, Go and Chloe continued their research into legendaries, this time visiting the different tapu with the help of the Kahuna. With Hala to Tapu Koko, with Olivia to Tapu Lele, with Nanu to Tapu Bulu and with Hapu to Tapu Fini.

And finally they went with Solgaleo and Lunala to visit UltraNecrozma, who seemed to still be happy and living in Ultra Megapolis.

"Alola is a crazier… place than I thought." said Go after so much adventure.

"No wonder it's your favorite region Ash, it's full of surprises." Chloe said.

"I knew you would like it a lot." Ash laughed happily.

Just the day before they left, Selene showed up at Kukui's house.

"Master, as a member of the Elite Four I challenged you for the position of Champion." Selene told him one day.

"I was already wondering when you would do it." Ash said with a determined smile. "You better give it your all."

"Have I never done that?"

The battle was on Mount Lanakila and almost all of Alola saw it in one way or another.

Pikachu, Incineroar, Decidueye, Twilight Lycanroc, Naganadel, Melmetal vs Mimikyu, Charizard, Torterra, Umbreon, Pheromosa and Zeraora.

"I'm sorry, master," Selene said sadly. "Despite everything I've trained, I've only managed to beat three of your Pokémon."

"Well, it's more than what others have done. I have faced the strongest Elite Four members from other regions and I can say without a doubt that you're the best."

Selene raised her head in confusion.

"Are you serious, master?"

"Do you think I would lie about something so important?" Ash asked with a smile. "If I can leave Alola peacefully it's because I know that you and your Pokémon will be here taking care of everything and everyone. So rise your head with pride, you're strong."

A few small tears came out of Selene's eyes as she laughed at the same time.

"T-thank you, master."

"You don't need to call me master. You're already strong enough to stop being my apprentice."

"Whatever you say master, I mean, whatever you say Ash."

Akala Island - Royal Avenue

"Champion! Champion! Champion! Champion! Champion! Champion!"

Ash cried slightly as he saw the support of all the people of Alola. Kukui had wanted to hold a Battle Royal to say goodbye and give Ash luck in the world tournament. The stadium was completely full and Ash's friends occupied the best seats while shouting words of support.

"Wow, they really love him." Mohn said surprised by the fervor of the public.

"Whether he likes it or not, Ash is now the symbol of Alola." said Lusamine.

The battle Royal was Ash vs Kukui vs Gladion vs Kiawe.

Pikachu vs Incineroar vs Silvally vs Blacephalon. In the end the winner was Ash and a great banquet was held.

Ash took the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone as he would return to Galar the next day. While he did so he received a message on his Rotom Phone. The selection rounds of the World Tournament were over.

Ash was in eighth place in the world ranking, so he was already among the thirty-two best in the world. Now there would be a couple of weeks without battles until the day of the real tournament in Galar arrived.

Professor Kukui was also in the top thirty-two and it didn't take him long to tell Ash the good news.

"I hope we have to face each other in the tournament." Ash said.

ooOoo

"How many couples." Chloe said as they returned to professor Kukui's house.

"What are you taking about?" Go asked her confused.

"Haven't you noticed what happened during the dinner? Kiawe and Mallow, Sophocles and Lana, Hau and Acerola, Selene and Gladion, Dulse and Zossie, Chase and Elaine... "

"…I think you should stop reading so many romance mangas." Go said worried.

"If you continue like this you'll never realize my feelings..." Chloe murmured somewhat angrily.

"Eh?"

"N-nothing!"

GALAR

Hammerlock City

There were Pokémon suffering from the dynamax phenomenon in all stadiums of Galar and in areas with a high concentration of galar particles.

Ash, Leon, Go, Gloria and Victor had been helping the gym leaders and the police. Saving people and defeating Pokémon that were dynamaxed.

Professor Magnolia suspected that Rose was behind everything, but Leon didn't want to believe her.

"What does this all mean?" Leon asked when he saw the sphere in which Eternatus was enclosed.

"This is the future," Rose explained. "My experiments with the energy of Eternatus is what has brought about the new Darkest Day."

"Why would you do that, president Rose?!"

"I haven't done anything, they're just collateral damage," Rose explained with a crazy look in him eyes. "You can't change the world without causing a disaster or two, don't you think? It's a lesson I learned as a child."

"…"

"Now, Leon, capture Eternatus and help me create a better future.

"...All this time, have you been using me?"

"Well, of course, I needed someone powerful to control this Pokémon and you were the one. You are not only the champion of Galar, but also the strongest trainer in the world."

Leon clenched his fists tightly and looked away to watch as Eternatus broke the sphere and escaped into the sky.

"I plan to defeat it. The only future that awaits you is prison." Leon said after taking out Charizard and going after Eternatus. Leon took out his Rotom Phone and reported the situation to the Galar Pokémon Association and Ash.

ooOoo

Thanks to Sonia's research, Go and Ash went to the Slumbering Weald and met again with the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. They both gave them a sword and shield from ancient times before disappearing into the mist.

"Can we stop with this the Darkest Day?" Asked Ash looking at the sword and shield.

"It's our only hope right now." Go said very seriously.

ooOoo

Hammerlocke Stadium

Ash, Go, Gloria, Victor, and Hop arrived at the place together.

"I won't let you interrupt President Rose!" Oleana roared when she saw them. "Isaac, help me take out the trash!"

"Yes ma'am!" said Isaac, the strongest employee of Macro cosmos.

"We'll help too, Miss Oleana." said Sordward. Next to him was also his brother Shielbert.

"What the hell are you and your weirdos doing here?" Gloria asked confused.

"Insolent! President Rose promised to help us regain our titles of nobility if we helped him," Shielbert explained. "Quid pro quo."

Gloria and Victor took care of Sordward and Shielbert, while Hop and Go took care of Oleana and Isaac. Meanwhile Ash faced President Rose.

"May I know what you're up to, Ash Ketchum?" Rose asked very seriously. "I know your ability to thwart plans but there're no villains here to defeat."

"And then what are you? A lot of people could have died because of you, you're crazy!"

"Pika, pikachu!"

"I see that Leon has already manipulated you," Rose said sadly. "It doesn't matter, it's too late."

"It's never too late to save the world."

"Must I explain myself? From your perspective, I suppose it must seem that I am doing something terrible. I don't expect you to understand. But I must provide the Galar region with limitless energy to ensure everlasting prosperity. It is my purpose, my duty, my destiny! I can't let you interfere with my plan to protect the future of Galar!"

Rose sighed and brought hers out as well. The fight lasted a few minutes and Ash had no problems defeating his enemy, who had not had a real intense fight in years.

ooOoo

Leon had lost to Eternatus and was lying on the ground defeated along with his entire Pokémon team. However, Ash and Go used the sword and shield to summon Zacian and Zamanzenta. With a little help from Gloria's Pokémon, Victor's and Hop's, they all managed to defeat and catch Eternatus with a Poké Ball of Go, ending the new Darkest Day before it began.

President Rose was stripped of his position and forced to work in the same Galar mines in which his father died when he was a child.

The next day

"Due to the latest events in Galar, it has been decided that the final rounds of the World Tournament will be on the island of Pasio. We must thank the Crown prince and founder of the region, Lear, for this. In addition to the help provided by professor Bellis. The preparations will be completed in a month and a half." ―Message from the Pokémon World Association.

Ash was going on a personal training trip for that month and a half, while his friends also had their own plans. So they said goodbye.

-Go: Professor Amaranth has given me several tests and I have passed them. Now I can join Horace, Danika and Quillon in the Mew project. I'm going to the Plate Mountain, in the middle of Faraway Island! When we meet again in Pasio, I will have managed to capture the future in my hands. Good luck with your training!

-Chloe: I'm going to travel alone and find out more about the world and myself. I'm interested in Pokémon evolution research, so I'll probably talk to Professor Rowan and Professor Sycamore. I'll go to Pasio later to cheer you up.

-Marnie: I haven't managed to enter the top 32, I'll still go and cheer you on. Don't get too confident, the crowd you're going to face is going to be tough.

-Peony: Good luck with your training! If you need something, call me and I'll help you right away... Of course I'm going to come and support you, that's not even a question!

-Glory: I don't plan to lose to anyone. You have been lucky enough to be ahead of me in the ranking, but that luck has run out for you, my rival.

-Victor: You are an honest and fun guy, I wish you luck because against Gloria you are going to need it.

-Hop: My brother Leon is a peak that no one has been able to climb. I plan to support him even though I know he is going to beat you and everyone else.

Pallet Town – Professor Oak's Ranch

"Pikachu, guys... it's time to get much stronger!" Ash shouted with all his might.

His Pokémon screamed with the same force producing a roar that was heard throughout Pallet Town.

End of the Eighth Generation Part I

-Ash's Pokémon in Galar: Pikachu, Lucario, Dragonite, Gengar, Sirfetch'd and Dracovish.

-Go Pokémon: Raichu, Cinderace, Inteleon, Grookey, Golurk and Suicune.

-Chloe's Pokémon: Eevee, Boltund, Ponyta (Galar Form) and Meloetta.

-Peonia Pokémon: Pikachu (shiny), Blastoise, Blaziken, Rillaboon, Orbettle and Tyrantrum.

-Gloria's Pokémon: Toxtricity (Amped Form), Cinderace, Urshifu (Rapid strike style), Hydreigon, Rapidash (Galar Form) and Arctozolt.

-Victor's Pokémon: Toxtricity (Low Key Form), Inteleon, Urshifu (Single strike style), Conkeldurr, Mr. Rime and Dracozolt.

-Hop's Pokémon: Dubwool, Rillaboom, Cramorant, Corviknight, Pincurchin and Snorlax.

-Marnie's Pokémon: Morpeko, Scrafty, Toxicroak, Liepard, Grimmsnarl and Moltres Galar.

-Bede's Pokémon: Mawile, Gardevoir, Rapidash (Galar Form), Sylveon, Hatterene and Copperajah.

-Michael's Pokémon: Espeon, Ursaring, Salamance and Lugia.

-Ash's Pokémon in Hisui: Pikachu, Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler, Braviary Hisui.

-Rei's Pokémon: Pikachu, Torterra, Samurott Hisui, Staraptor and Arcanine Hisui.

-Akari's Pokémon: Pikachu, Empoleon, Thyplosion Hisui, Clefairy and Lilligant Hisui.

-Alec's Pokémon: Zoroark Hisui (Shiny), Infernape, Decidueye form Hisui, Mr. Mime and Goodra Hisui.

-Nate's Pokémon: Dewott, Kabutops, Gliscor, Escavalier and Keldeo.

-Rosa's Pokémon: Foongus, Genesect, Accelgor, Zoroark and Delphox.

Inspirations:

-Games: Sword, Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Arceus Legends, White 2, Black 2, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, XD Gale of Darkness, Scarlet, Violet, Masters Ex and Smile.

-Anime: Seasons 23, 24 and 25; Hisuian Snow; Twilight Wings.

-Manga: Adventure arcs sword and shield.

The eighth generation was getting too long so I decided to divide it into two parts. In the second part we will see the final rounds of the world tournament and the meeting of almost all the characters from the fic on the island of Pasio. The tenth chapter will be an epilogue where we will see how our protagonists are doing in a possible future.

The plot of Galar in the games is scarce and almost non-existent, which gives the advantage that Ash doesn't have to spend much time in that region. Being able to revisit other places is something that I really liked about anime, although I would have preferred that characters from the past appear and not new ones that would take time away from the old ones.

I took the opportunity to include the sequel to Pokémon Colosseum, XD Gale of Darkness, since it takes place five years later. It's a shame that no one knows where Leo and Rui are...

Sword and Shield were games full of controversy (Dexit) and at least for me, they passed like nothing, it almost seemed that even GameFreak wanted to go straight to the next generation as soon as possible, although the DLCs were very good and gave me back my beloved Mudkip. In addition to giving us Honey, Klara and Peonia.

Marnie and Peonia are my favorite Poké girls from the sword and shield games and I have also included Penny (Team Star Leader) despite being from the ninth generation. Now those who didn't know will know that Peonia and Penny are sisters and daughters of Peony (Quite a surprise when I discovered it). There are more references to the ninth generation, although they are few and somewhat hidden since Ash's journey in this fic will end with the eighth generation (as in the anime).

I really liked writing Chloe/Koharu as a shipper and Go as her worried friend XD. Speaking of shipping, Bea x Alistair is one of my favorite Galar ships along with Milo x Nessa.

Until the next chapter!